Middlebury College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.75 / 3.00 |
Jack
Byrne Director of Sustainability Integration Environmental Affair |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1. Institution-wide sustainable procurement policies
Yes
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
Please see the above document.
Part 2. Life Cycle Cost Analysis
No
Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
---
A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
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Part 3. Product-specific sustainability criteria
To count, the criteria must address the specific sustainability challenges and impacts associated with products and/or services in each category, e.g. by requiring or giving preference to multi-criteria sustainability standards, certifications and labels appropriate to the category. Broader, institution-wide policies should be reported in Part 1, above.
Chemically intensive products and services
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
· Published measures to minimize the use of chemicals.
· A stated preference for green cleaning services and third-party certified products.
· Including sustainability objectives in contracts with service providers.
Making the right choice does not come lightly and therefore we put thought into every product we use. We strive to use green rated chemicals through our vendors such as Green Seal, Eco Friendly Logo, Earth Sense, Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed and Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Stewardship Council (EPA/FSC) approved. Most are biodegradable and phosphate free and when possible neutral cleaners are preferred.
We source non aerosol cleaning products and strive to avoid petroleum based and high volatile organic compounds (VOC) content products. We favor water-based cleaners/polishes and floor finishes to make the campus look great while at the same time having less impact on the environment and fossil fuels.
We offset the use of most harmful and synthesized chemicals by using sustainable natural cleaners like, distilled white vinegar, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), aqueous ozone (electrically charged water/O3) and hypochlorous acid (water, sodium and electricity).
Third part contractors preferably will use our cleaning chemicals and systems to keep in line with our sustainability efforts. If this is not possible, the contractor is vetted for their green cleaning program and chemical line so that it best fits our needs and mission.
_______________
Additional information: They have found many green product alternatives to the standard cleaning chemicals, and use other technologies such as microfiber cloths, central vacuum systems, HEPA vacuums, Electrostatic sprayers and aqueous ozone machines. Custodial Services continue to look for new ways to reduce the reliance on harmful chemicals and replace them with high performing alternatives such as using more water base and low VOC flooring chemicals on our tile and wood flooring.
Middlebury now uses the NCL Green Seal product line for much of its cleaning needs. This includes a peroxide cleaner for daily bathroom cleaning and an all purpose cleaner for nearly everything else. For touch points (door hardware, faucet handles, dispenser handles, light switches), they still use a hospital grade disinfectant to curb the spread of germs. For an abrasive cleaner they use A-Ben-A Qui, a non-toxic paste cleaner that works wonders! The use of bleach and comet has been almost elimeabted save for certain applications. Instead of using a specific and often harsh window cleaner, tey use v inegar and water as a natural altenative. Baking soda is widely used on campus to remove stains, residue and overall regular cleaning.
Microfiber cloths capture dirt and bacteria at a higher rate and require fewer cleaning chemicals compared to regular cleaning cloths. Microfiber mops deposit less water on the floor which means floors dry faster, creating a safer walking surface.
Another green step Middlebury has taken is continuing to use central vac systems. Unlike conventional vacuums that blow the exhaust back into the room they are being used in, central vac systems are much healthier for users and building occupants because they vent the dust and dirt away from the living/working areas, central vacs also use cleanable filters and collect the dirt in drums, so no disposable vacuum bags are needed. Canister vacs are used in some areas, but central vacs have been installed in most of the large buildings and some of the mid-sized buildings on campus. We have purchased more double HEPA cannister vacuums which reduce placing polluntants back into the atomspher around the staff and students.
Custodial Services also use an environmentally friendly carpet cleaner (Carpet Complete by Envirox) and are currently researching greener floor strippers and finishes but have yet to find an acceptable system. They also do not use shampoo with each extraction on our carpets, instead, they spot treat stains and use a water rinse between chemical extractions.
Steam cleaning is utilized for some carpet and upholstery shampooing, cleaning some metals (chrome at the pool, door thresholds), and ceramic tile flooring. It saves time and use of chemicals.
For odor elimination, Middlebury uses aqueous ozone and baking soda to remove odors from painting, cigarette smoke, and carpet installations, avoiding the need for chemical odor removers. We utilize custom can liners to reduce plastic usage and waste.
· A stated preference for green cleaning services and third-party certified products.
· Including sustainability objectives in contracts with service providers.
Making the right choice does not come lightly and therefore we put thought into every product we use. We strive to use green rated chemicals through our vendors such as Green Seal, Eco Friendly Logo, Earth Sense, Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed and Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Stewardship Council (EPA/FSC) approved. Most are biodegradable and phosphate free and when possible neutral cleaners are preferred.
We source non aerosol cleaning products and strive to avoid petroleum based and high volatile organic compounds (VOC) content products. We favor water-based cleaners/polishes and floor finishes to make the campus look great while at the same time having less impact on the environment and fossil fuels.
We offset the use of most harmful and synthesized chemicals by using sustainable natural cleaners like, distilled white vinegar, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), aqueous ozone (electrically charged water/O3) and hypochlorous acid (water, sodium and electricity).
Third part contractors preferably will use our cleaning chemicals and systems to keep in line with our sustainability efforts. If this is not possible, the contractor is vetted for their green cleaning program and chemical line so that it best fits our needs and mission.
_______________
Additional information: They have found many green product alternatives to the standard cleaning chemicals, and use other technologies such as microfiber cloths, central vacuum systems, HEPA vacuums, Electrostatic sprayers and aqueous ozone machines. Custodial Services continue to look for new ways to reduce the reliance on harmful chemicals and replace them with high performing alternatives such as using more water base and low VOC flooring chemicals on our tile and wood flooring.
Middlebury now uses the NCL Green Seal product line for much of its cleaning needs. This includes a peroxide cleaner for daily bathroom cleaning and an all purpose cleaner for nearly everything else. For touch points (door hardware, faucet handles, dispenser handles, light switches), they still use a hospital grade disinfectant to curb the spread of germs. For an abrasive cleaner they use A-Ben-A Qui, a non-toxic paste cleaner that works wonders! The use of bleach and comet has been almost elimeabted save for certain applications. Instead of using a specific and often harsh window cleaner, tey use v inegar and water as a natural altenative. Baking soda is widely used on campus to remove stains, residue and overall regular cleaning.
Microfiber cloths capture dirt and bacteria at a higher rate and require fewer cleaning chemicals compared to regular cleaning cloths. Microfiber mops deposit less water on the floor which means floors dry faster, creating a safer walking surface.
Another green step Middlebury has taken is continuing to use central vac systems. Unlike conventional vacuums that blow the exhaust back into the room they are being used in, central vac systems are much healthier for users and building occupants because they vent the dust and dirt away from the living/working areas, central vacs also use cleanable filters and collect the dirt in drums, so no disposable vacuum bags are needed. Canister vacs are used in some areas, but central vacs have been installed in most of the large buildings and some of the mid-sized buildings on campus. We have purchased more double HEPA cannister vacuums which reduce placing polluntants back into the atomspher around the staff and students.
Custodial Services also use an environmentally friendly carpet cleaner (Carpet Complete by Envirox) and are currently researching greener floor strippers and finishes but have yet to find an acceptable system. They also do not use shampoo with each extraction on our carpets, instead, they spot treat stains and use a water rinse between chemical extractions.
Steam cleaning is utilized for some carpet and upholstery shampooing, cleaning some metals (chrome at the pool, door thresholds), and ceramic tile flooring. It saves time and use of chemicals.
For odor elimination, Middlebury uses aqueous ozone and baking soda to remove odors from painting, cigarette smoke, and carpet installations, avoiding the need for chemical odor removers. We utilize custom can liners to reduce plastic usage and waste.
Consumable office products
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:
Recycled Paper & Purchasing Policy
Adopted in 2007
Introduction
Middlebury College has adopted a general policy of environmental stewardship and mindfulness which applies to its operations and the practices of its employees and their departments (Trustees, 1995). As an extension of this, the Environmental Council will work toward developing a policy on environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) to unify existing efforts, take new steps, and codify a commitment to the purchase and use of environmentally preferred products and technologies. Since extensive research and testing have been done surrounding the issue of paper, it is time to put forth a Paper Purchasing Policy. This can then also serve as a model component of the larger EPP policy.
The College is concerned about two important issues related to paper usage and purchasing: 1) minimizing the amount of paper consumed by students, staff and faculty; and 2) using paper that is manufactured with practices that minimize the consumption of forest resources and ecosystem services. It is concerned about this for several reasons:
• Industrialized nations with 20% of the world’s population, consume 87% of the world’s printing and writing papers.
• Global production in the pulp, paper and publishing sector is projected to increase by 77% from 1995 to 2020.
• Paper manufacturing is the 4th largest source of the type of air pollutants that contribute to respiratory problems.
• Among the pollutants released by paper manufacture are large quantities of “conventional” pollutants like suspended solids and oxygen-depleting substances, which can harm or kill fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Mills that use chlorine or chlorine-containing compounds to bleach pulp release chlorinated organic by–products, which may include dioxins and furans.
Further, the below table details the environmental benefits that can be realized from switching from 30% recycled paper (currently in use) to 100% recycled paper based on the College’s current average monthly use of 200 cases / 5 tons of paper:
30% Recycled Paper 100% Recycled Paper
Trees Saved 36 trees
120 trees
35,000 gallons
20,500 kW hours
300 pounds
Water Saved 10,500 gallons 35,000 gallons
Electricity Saved 6150 kW hours 20,500 kW hours
Air Pollution Averted 90 pounds 300 pounds
The benefits illustrated in the above table can be realized with minimal financial impact. At the time of writing this policy, The Middlebury College Procurement office was able to obtain a case of 100% recycled paper for $31.56 a case as compared to $31.08 a case for 30% recycled paper, a difference of only $0.48 / case.
Policy Statement
This policy focuses on the type of paper used, both for on-campus uses and out-sourced jobs. Paper use reduction is being focused on as a separate initiative through Library and Information Services.
• For paper used in College offices, in copy machines campus-wide, in student computing laboratories and for College stationery and letterhead papers, the paper shall be:
o Labeled Process Chlorine Free (PCF - not bleached with chlorine and chlorine derivatives).
o 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper (PCW) and/or paper made without trees, OR Forest Stewardship Council certified 100% PCW if the cost is within acceptable range.
• For paper used for outsourced jobs that use sheet-fed printing (e.g. the College Viewbook, Center for the Arts Calendar, Breadloaf materials, etc.), the paper shall be:
o Labeled Process Chlorine Free (PCF - not bleached with chlorine and chlorine derivatives).
o 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper (PCW) and/or paper made without trees, OR Forest Stewardship Council certified 100% PCW if the cost is within acceptable range.
• For paper used for outsourced jobs that use web-fed printing (e.g. the Middlebury Magazine), the paper shall be:
o The highest percentage PCW suitable for the job. Currently this is 10%, and hopefully this will increase to 30% or more as the technology improves.
• At this time, colored copy papers are only available with a maximum of 30% PCW. This paper will become the standard for all colored copy papers used on campus.
• Some specialty papers, including colored paper, will continue to be available through Reprographics , the Bookstore and Purchasing. The highest available recycled content for these specialty papers will become the standard.
• When purchasing paper that must be virgin stock, the College will only accept papers with Forest Stewardship Council certification. Other certifications will be considered on a case by case basis.
Much of this work is already underway—for example, the College letterhead is already 100% PCW/PCF and the College Viewbook and the Center for the Arts Calendar are already printed on 100% PCW/PCF paper.
Purchasing
When purchasing paper the College will consider these factors:
• Environmental sustainability as outlined in the policy statement.
• Economic sustainability. We recognize that cost is an important factor. To mitigate the potential cost increase associated with the changes outlined in this policy statement, opportunities include:
o Reducing waste – as of the last study conducted by Library and Information Services, approximately 25% of paper printed out in the library resulted in waste. From our current usage level (including this waste), a decrease in usage of only 1.5% is needed to cover the cost of switching to 100% PCW.
o Reducing the number of pages in a job.
o Reducing the number of copies in a job.
o Consider what materials currently in print could be made available electronically.
o Consider intended audience when evaluating whether print or electronic versions of material are appropriate – e.g. a student audience will likely be reached most effectively electronically.
o Experiment with bundling multiple outsourced jobs into one proposal for the competitive bidding process to see if costs can be lowered through increased volume of work for the winning bid.
• Supply sustainability
o Stock will be readily and consistently available from a local supplier.
• Technological sustainability
o The paper will work effectively in copy machines, printers and fax machines.
Review Committee
A committee will be composed of one representative each from Reprographics, the Bookstore, Library Information Services, Purchasing, and Communications, as well as one faculty member and at least one student. The committee will maintain a current list of paper options and prices, and will test potential papers. They will also research the current recycled content of “specialty papers” (e.g. poster plotter paper, cardstocks, and color printer paper), and suggest/test higher recycled content options where appropriate. The committee will notify the Middlebury community on a regular basis, providing a summary of new paper selections. This notification will include an educational component so that campus awareness will not diminish over time.
The committee will:
• Report to the Environmental Council. The vice-chair of Environmental Council will be responsible for convening meetings and providing support for committee work.
• Be responsible for selecting a chairperson from within its membership.
• Meet semiannually to select paper and to establish standards and working procedures for the testing and selection processes.
Committee membership:
• Annually the SGA will select the student representative/s.
• The Environmental Council will assist in the selection of a faculty representative, though the faculty representative need not be a member of the council.
• Representatives from the above mentioned College offices will serve a minimum two-year term, but may stay on the committee as long as they desire. The individual College offices will be responsible for appointing representatives and replacements.
(See policy at http://www.middlebury.edu/sustainability/policy-planning/policies/paper)
Adopted in 2007
Introduction
Middlebury College has adopted a general policy of environmental stewardship and mindfulness which applies to its operations and the practices of its employees and their departments (Trustees, 1995). As an extension of this, the Environmental Council will work toward developing a policy on environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) to unify existing efforts, take new steps, and codify a commitment to the purchase and use of environmentally preferred products and technologies. Since extensive research and testing have been done surrounding the issue of paper, it is time to put forth a Paper Purchasing Policy. This can then also serve as a model component of the larger EPP policy.
The College is concerned about two important issues related to paper usage and purchasing: 1) minimizing the amount of paper consumed by students, staff and faculty; and 2) using paper that is manufactured with practices that minimize the consumption of forest resources and ecosystem services. It is concerned about this for several reasons:
• Industrialized nations with 20% of the world’s population, consume 87% of the world’s printing and writing papers.
• Global production in the pulp, paper and publishing sector is projected to increase by 77% from 1995 to 2020.
• Paper manufacturing is the 4th largest source of the type of air pollutants that contribute to respiratory problems.
• Among the pollutants released by paper manufacture are large quantities of “conventional” pollutants like suspended solids and oxygen-depleting substances, which can harm or kill fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Mills that use chlorine or chlorine-containing compounds to bleach pulp release chlorinated organic by–products, which may include dioxins and furans.
Further, the below table details the environmental benefits that can be realized from switching from 30% recycled paper (currently in use) to 100% recycled paper based on the College’s current average monthly use of 200 cases / 5 tons of paper:
30% Recycled Paper 100% Recycled Paper
Trees Saved 36 trees
120 trees
35,000 gallons
20,500 kW hours
300 pounds
Water Saved 10,500 gallons 35,000 gallons
Electricity Saved 6150 kW hours 20,500 kW hours
Air Pollution Averted 90 pounds 300 pounds
The benefits illustrated in the above table can be realized with minimal financial impact. At the time of writing this policy, The Middlebury College Procurement office was able to obtain a case of 100% recycled paper for $31.56 a case as compared to $31.08 a case for 30% recycled paper, a difference of only $0.48 / case.
Policy Statement
This policy focuses on the type of paper used, both for on-campus uses and out-sourced jobs. Paper use reduction is being focused on as a separate initiative through Library and Information Services.
• For paper used in College offices, in copy machines campus-wide, in student computing laboratories and for College stationery and letterhead papers, the paper shall be:
o Labeled Process Chlorine Free (PCF - not bleached with chlorine and chlorine derivatives).
o 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper (PCW) and/or paper made without trees, OR Forest Stewardship Council certified 100% PCW if the cost is within acceptable range.
• For paper used for outsourced jobs that use sheet-fed printing (e.g. the College Viewbook, Center for the Arts Calendar, Breadloaf materials, etc.), the paper shall be:
o Labeled Process Chlorine Free (PCF - not bleached with chlorine and chlorine derivatives).
o 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper (PCW) and/or paper made without trees, OR Forest Stewardship Council certified 100% PCW if the cost is within acceptable range.
• For paper used for outsourced jobs that use web-fed printing (e.g. the Middlebury Magazine), the paper shall be:
o The highest percentage PCW suitable for the job. Currently this is 10%, and hopefully this will increase to 30% or more as the technology improves.
• At this time, colored copy papers are only available with a maximum of 30% PCW. This paper will become the standard for all colored copy papers used on campus.
• Some specialty papers, including colored paper, will continue to be available through Reprographics , the Bookstore and Purchasing. The highest available recycled content for these specialty papers will become the standard.
• When purchasing paper that must be virgin stock, the College will only accept papers with Forest Stewardship Council certification. Other certifications will be considered on a case by case basis.
Much of this work is already underway—for example, the College letterhead is already 100% PCW/PCF and the College Viewbook and the Center for the Arts Calendar are already printed on 100% PCW/PCF paper.
Purchasing
When purchasing paper the College will consider these factors:
• Environmental sustainability as outlined in the policy statement.
• Economic sustainability. We recognize that cost is an important factor. To mitigate the potential cost increase associated with the changes outlined in this policy statement, opportunities include:
o Reducing waste – as of the last study conducted by Library and Information Services, approximately 25% of paper printed out in the library resulted in waste. From our current usage level (including this waste), a decrease in usage of only 1.5% is needed to cover the cost of switching to 100% PCW.
o Reducing the number of pages in a job.
o Reducing the number of copies in a job.
o Consider what materials currently in print could be made available electronically.
o Consider intended audience when evaluating whether print or electronic versions of material are appropriate – e.g. a student audience will likely be reached most effectively electronically.
o Experiment with bundling multiple outsourced jobs into one proposal for the competitive bidding process to see if costs can be lowered through increased volume of work for the winning bid.
• Supply sustainability
o Stock will be readily and consistently available from a local supplier.
• Technological sustainability
o The paper will work effectively in copy machines, printers and fax machines.
Review Committee
A committee will be composed of one representative each from Reprographics, the Bookstore, Library Information Services, Purchasing, and Communications, as well as one faculty member and at least one student. The committee will maintain a current list of paper options and prices, and will test potential papers. They will also research the current recycled content of “specialty papers” (e.g. poster plotter paper, cardstocks, and color printer paper), and suggest/test higher recycled content options where appropriate. The committee will notify the Middlebury community on a regular basis, providing a summary of new paper selections. This notification will include an educational component so that campus awareness will not diminish over time.
The committee will:
• Report to the Environmental Council. The vice-chair of Environmental Council will be responsible for convening meetings and providing support for committee work.
• Be responsible for selecting a chairperson from within its membership.
• Meet semiannually to select paper and to establish standards and working procedures for the testing and selection processes.
Committee membership:
• Annually the SGA will select the student representative/s.
• The Environmental Council will assist in the selection of a faculty representative, though the faculty representative need not be a member of the council.
• Representatives from the above mentioned College offices will serve a minimum two-year term, but may stay on the committee as long as they desire. The individual College offices will be responsible for appointing representatives and replacements.
(See policy at http://www.middlebury.edu/sustainability/policy-planning/policies/paper)
Furniture and furnishings
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
---
Information Technology (IT) and equipment
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:
Middlebury College’s Information Technology Services policy is to purchase computers and other electronics that are Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certified.
Food service providers
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:
We provide the highest-quality products and service for events of all sizes and complexity. Our knowledgeable staff can assist in planning and executing a creative, sustainable, and memorable occasion.
There is language in our catering contract about recycling and compost: http://www.middlebury.edu/student-life/community-living/dining-services/catering/noncollege/vendor
There is language in our catering contract about recycling and compost: http://www.middlebury.edu/student-life/community-living/dining-services/catering/noncollege/vendor
Garments and linens
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:
---
Professional service providers
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:
Please see Middlebury College Purchasing Policy document, attached in Part 1. Potential contractors for construction projects are required to address the College's Sustainable Design and Construction Guidelines in their proposals.
Transportation and fuels
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
In our Energy2028 resolution, which guides our energy planning and decision-making, we are required to move in the direction of renewable fuels and greater efficiency with respect to our vehicle fleet as well as the fuels we use to heat and power the campus.
Optional Fields
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.