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| Universities have large amounts of financial capital that can be directed towards advancing a sustainable society. By supporting businesses that provide sustainable products, a university is ensuring the continuing viability of environmentally friendly industries. Additionally, many sustainable practices decrease expenses. |
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- Only Buy What You Need
Bulk purchasing is generally more economic for an organization as large as a university, but it can also waste materials and energy when excess supplies are discarded. Advances in technology can lead to many items being obsolescent within a short period of time. These outdated technologies are generally less efficient and therefore waste energy through their continued use. Therefore purchasing only what is required in the foreseeable future may save money through the savings that can be garnered by switching to more efficient technologies.
- Buy Environmentally Friendly Products
To further reduce environmental impact purchase environmentally friendly products. Using plant derived inks and glues rather than synthetics is far less toxic to the environment. Purchase paper that was not manufactured with toxic bleaches and chemicals. Consider purchasing wooden or straw furniture and low VOC carpeting. Low VOC carpeting reduces the amount of indoor air pollution and can make for a more enjoyable work environment. Organic furniture sequesters carbon dioxide and can earn your buildings LEED points.
- Use Energy Star Standards
Energy Star products are great investments. The additional cost of these products is paid back several times over during the product’s life cycle. Less energy use translates into lower energy bills and decreased pollution.
- Buy Post Consumer Recycled Materials
Recycled paper is now a very common product in office supply stores, but there are other post-consumer goods that a university can purchase. Ink cartridges which were recycled, along with paper, aluminum, plastics, concrete and textiles.
- Include Sustainability in all Requirements for Providing all Goods and Services
When contracting a private company to provide a service, require the supplier to utilize environmentally friendly practices. Suppliers and contractors should embody ethics that parallel those of the institution that they serve. In this manner a university serves to make ensuring a sustainable future a factor in business competition.
- Use Your Buying Power and Investor Influence to Recognize and Encourage Responsible Behavior in Suppliers
Universities have multi-million dollar budgets which can have great economic impact. Use an institution’s buying power to influence the market to encourage the growth of suppliers that are environmentally safe, renewable, and efficient. Purchasing from these producers will create an incentive for competitors to adopt more environmentally responsible business practices. Through such actions a university can encourage “Green” competition in the market.
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Colleges & Universities
