George Washington University
OP-12: Electronics Purchasing

GW does not have a formal electronics purchasing policy. However, as part of GW Procurement Department's "Quick Tips", if an office must purchase new (or used) appliances and equipment (printers, copiers, microwaves, etc.), purchasers at the university are recommended to only purchase EnergyStar or EPEAT certified models. Through GW's Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy, the university commits to drafting procurement strategies that emphasize sourcing energy efficient, lower carbon footprint, and/or non-ozone depleting products, including EPEAT designated products.

Despite the absence of a formal policy to only purchase computer and related electronic devices meeting a specific EPEAT standard, in practice most machines GW purchases are models listed as EPEAT Gold level. For non-computer devices, Energy Star rated items are suggested and purchased in virtually all situations. This initiative directly impacts goals and targets set forth in The George Washington Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy, which was released November 2012. This Strategy calls for the university to source products that reduce the impact on biodiversity, climate and water. As a large urban university, GW purchases a significant volume of products to support its faculty, staff and student community. Sourcing raw material inputs, processing and manufacturing paper and transporting it to GW impacts natural, human and economic capital on a global scale.