Pennsylvania State University
OP-17: Guidelines for Business Partners

The University requires participating vendors on large and/or construction projects to provide their environmental policies for review. Quarterly or annual reports on the environmental status of companies on projects are also required. Penn State has adopted and abides by the Global Sullivan Principles of Social Responsibility and includes it in our Purchase Order Terms and Conditions. http://www.purchasing.psu.edu/Purchasing/resources/terms.cfm The objectives of the Sullivan Principles are to support economic, social and political justice by companies where they do business; the text of the Principles can be found on the Penn State Purchasing website: http://www.purchasing.psu.edu/Purchasing/resources/sullivan-principles.cfm Also, in its information for suppliers, Penn State states: "Environmental Alternatives: The University is committed to environmental stewardship, conserving natural resources and preserving the environment. We encourage suppliers to identify products, services, or processes that promote environmental stewardship. In addition to the requested bid, suppliers are encouraged to offer an additional bid for products, services, or processes that are more environmentally friendly. Such products or services should be bid as an alternate to the requested bid. Any exceptions or deviations from the original specifications must be clearly identified. The environmental benefits must be clearly identified with supporting data. Benefits may include: Reduced life cycle costs, reduced energy consumption, recycled content, recyclability, extended product life, and decreased maintenance." Suppliers are encouraged to supply Energy Star products when available as all of our University Procurement Card holders are aware of PSU’s commitment to purchase that standard of product. Penn State Purchasing continues to actively promote environmentally responsible purchasing through working with both departments and suppliers. Purchasing staff increase University departments’ awareness of environmentally friendly alternatives and encourage consideration of lifecycle costs vs. just the initial purchase price.

The University requires participating vendors on projects to provide their environmental policies for review. Quarterly or annual reports on the environmental status of companies on projects are also required. Suppliers are encouraged to supply Energy Star products when available as all of our University Procurement Card holders are aware of PSU’s commitment to purchase that standard of product. We commit to the goal of making environmentally and fiscally responsible purchasing choices where appropriate that consider life cycle costs, energy use, long-term implications, disposal and relative environmental harm of products. Examples of instances where the guidelines have changed purchasing behavior: The University’s incandescent and fluorescent lamp bid was based on lifecycle costing – including consideration for TCLP compliance (low mercury), disposal costs and energy usage. An award on an order for MicroFridges for residence halls was based on lifecycle costing and energy usage versus straight low bid price alone. Requiring paper company to move out of endangered forests in order to provide University paper products. Requiring FSC, SFI or recycled copier paper. Requiring DELL to provide eco friendly packaging. Requiring PEPSI to use less plastic in their bottled products. Requiring the elimination of Styrofoam peanuts in the packaging of products sent to PSU. Required vendors to provide additional discounts on environmental products sold through PSU General Stores. Require vendors to take back old product and recycle when replaced with new product. (Ceiling tiles and Carpet)