| Colgate University Green Purchasing | |
Consider the environmental impact of procurement decisions. Promote the use of sustainable products when acceptable. Encourage and monitor environmental practices of contracted vendors. |
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In response to the above, significant changes have been made in the procurement of the following commodities.
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| EXPENDABLES | |
| Copy Paper – Prior to 1998 the University used exclusively
“virgin” paper throughout campus in copiers, laser printers and fax machines. Working with our office supply distributor,
Staples Business Advantage, the Purchasing Department evaluated several papers, negotiated
pricing with Staples and promoted the introduction of a 100% post consumer content paper to
be used in business machines. The
University pays a 5% premium for the recycled paper.
Current usage: “Virgin” Paper - 62% Recycled Paper – 38% Publication Paper – In 1998, in conjunction with the Communications Department, an evaluation of a recycled paper for the production of the Colgate “Scene” was performed. It was determined to use a 60% post-consumer content, chlorine free paper manufactured by Rolland Paper. Rolland paper is known for their environmental friendly paper production practices. We have since contracted for three separate years for this recycled paper. This paper is also used in the production of the Annual Report. Recycled Toner Cartridges – We are in our seventh year contracted with Empire Laser Products for the recycling of toner cartridges used in University printers and fax machines. Recycled cartridges offer a high quality, low cost alternative to the purchase of new OEM cartridges. Our program allows for used cartridges to be picked up by Empire Laser for their recycling process. Although an actual toner count is not available, recycled toner cartridge usage amounts to approximately 50% of all toner cartridges on campus. Fuels – Wood chip burning plant offers the use of a renewable energy source. 30% of our requirement is supplied by a regional furniture manufacturer as a by-product of their manufacturing process. The wood chip portion of our heat plant supplies approximately 70% of our total requirement. #6 Fuel Oil – Along with the price tracking of standard 1.5% sulfur content #6 fuel, we also track fuels with lower sulfur contents of .85% and .50%. The price differential is approximately $.011 and $.022 per gallon respectively. Paper Towels and Toilet Tissue – Products have recycled contents of 100%. The manufacturer is the Fort James Company. These commodities are used in all public restrooms on campus.
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| THREE TO FIVE YEAR LIFE CYCLES | |
| Desktop Computers – Currently ITS has campus personnel on a
three-year cycle to upgrade computer equipment at workstations. Although this is a three-year plan, older units
are re-distributed a second time to less critical areas offering a second life cycle. After a second cycle, units are then sent to the
Salvage department for public sale to individuals and organizations.
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| CAPITAL PURCHASES | |
| Laundry Contract – A projected upgrade in Summer
2003 will have installation of energy saving front loading for all washing
machines. These machines will save approximately 30% over present water
usage & electricity. Student Room Furniture –
In
1991 the University began a 10-year replacement cycle for Student Room Furniture. Solid Wood furnishings were determined to be most
desirable to replace the former metal units. Life
expectancy is 20 years to include a scheduled refurbish at 10 years.
Salvage Operation – Colgate has maintained a Salvage operation for almost 20 years. The first priority when a piece of equipment is determined to be unwanted is to re-distribute within Colgate. If a campus need does not exist the item is offered to the general public in a sealed bid auction. Major commodities handled are office equipment, office furniture, student room and lounge furnishings, athletic equipment and computer, electronic and audio-visual equipment. |
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