Buying Green

Purchasing Guidelines

ASU Purchasing and University Business Services has implemented a "Green Purchasing” policy, PUR 210 for procuring environmentally preferred products and services.

Vendors who wish to sell products to ASU must fill out an 11-point Green Profile Questionnaire which includes questions regarding environmental impact of the company's supply chain and transportation methods, as well as any citations for non-compliance with an environmental or safety issues.

The policy also requires that all bidders, proposers and contracts use recycled paper and double-sided copying for all documents they create in doing business with ASU. All packaging and packing materials have to meet at least one and preferably all of these criteria:

• Made from recycled materials.
• Be recyclable or reusable.
• Non-toxic or biodegradable.

Business Practices

ASU has incorporated other sustainable business practices regarding energy, water, toxins and pollutions, bio-based products, forest conservation, recycling, packaging, green building and landscaping. These practices are measurably reducing energy and water consumption and waste:

• No or low volatile organic compound (VOC) products have been specified for purchase for the past 10 years.
• All carpeting for purchase is specified as 100% recyclable.
• Liquid crystal displays, rather than cathode ray tube monitors, are specified for purchase.
• A 5% preference is given for purchasing recycled products.
• Recycled products are stocked by our office supply company, Staples.
• All of the panel lights in outside vending machines have been turned off.
• Snack machines are located preferably inside buildings so that they do not require refrigeration.
• Vending contracts require the use of energy miser energy conservation devices.
• If an Energy Star product is available in any category, that product will be bought before any non-Energy Star certified product.
• LEED Silver certification for all new construction of University-owned and operated buildings.
• Non-recyclable engraved signs are being phased out and replaced with a changeable, recyclable/reusable sign system.

Contractor Provisions

Another aspect of sustainable business is compensating people enough to provide a reasonable quality of life. The Living Wage Coalition at ASU has spearheaded the implementation of a Values-Based Standard for Significant Business Relationships. This standard governs ASU´s relationships with contractors on a term of one year or more and employing 10 or more workers whose primary place of employment is at an ASU campus.

In addition to mandatory contract provisions such as nondiscrimination, a safe and harassment-free work environment, and prohibition of controlled substances and weapons, contractors are asked to address several preferred provisions such as socially responsible wages, environmentally responsible practices, and employee education and training.

Compliance with these preferred provisions may impact the evaluation and selection of University contractors.