Purchasing
Purchasing plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability, as it involves making responsible choices that support sustainable production, fair labor practices, and environmental conservation. The AASHE STARS framework emphasizes sustainable procurement to ensure that institutions like UToledo align their purchasing decisions with social, economic, and environmental sustainability goals. UToledo integrates sustainable purchasing practices across various departments, encouraging the procurement of goods and services that minimize environmental impact and promote ethical standards.
Key Initiatives
- Sustainable Procurement Policy
UToledo follows a comprehensive procurement policy that prioritizes eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and ethically produced products. This policy aligns with AASHE’s goal of fostering sustainable economic practices by integrating environmental and social criteria into purchasing decisions. - Local and Ethical Sourcing
The university emphasizes purchasing locally sourced products, supporting regional economies and reducing transportation emissions. Additionally, UToledo ensures that products are acquired from suppliers that adhere to ethical labor practices, furthering the university’s commitment to social equity in purchasing. - Recycled and Eco-Friendly Products
UToledo prioritizes buying recycled content products, such as paper, furniture, and office supplies. This approach aligns with AASHE's ideals of promoting resource conservation and reducing waste. By choosing products made from recycled materials, the university actively reduces its carbon footprint and supports sustainable production practices. - Energy-Efficient Equipment
Energy efficiency is a key component of UToledo’s purchasing strategy, as the university prefers ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, equipment, and electronics. This initiative not only saves energy but also contributes to reducing operational costs, aligning with AASHE’s criteria for sustainable energy consumption and economic responsibility.
Achievements and Impact
- Increased Use of Recycled Products
UToledo has significantly increased the purchase of recycled paper and eco-friendly office supplies, contributing to reduced waste generation and more sustainable resource use on campus. - Support for Local Economies
By focusing on local sourcing, UToledo has strengthened relationships with regional suppliers, contributing to economic growth in the community while also lowering transportation-related emissions. - Energy Savings through Efficient Equipment
The shift to energy-efficient appliances and equipment has not only reduced the university’s energy use but also lowered overall operational costs, demonstrating effective resource management in line with AASHE’s standards.
Why It Matters
Sustainable purchasing is critical for achieving broader sustainability goals, as it influences the entire lifecycle of products, from production to disposal. UToledo’s sustainable purchasing initiatives align with the AASHE STARS framework, ensuring that procurement decisions contribute to environmental conservation, social equity, and economic sustainability. By integrating responsible purchasing practices, UToledo fosters a culture of sustainability that impacts the campus, local economy, and the broader environment.