Main Menu

Purchasing Card

UShop

Home Green Procurement

GREEN PROCUREMENT


The Purchasing Department supports Environmentally Preferred Purchasing (EPP) practices and encourages the purchase of products and services that effectively minimize negative environmental impacts through their material composition, manufacturing, transport, packaging, energy, consumption, maintenance, and recycling or disposal. The University of Utah is committed to sustainable behavior including purchasing practices. In our efforts to request and purchase the most energy-efficient and least waste-producing products that meet our needs, we rely on the expertise of our Office of Sustainability

 Office of Sustainability

GET STARTED BUYING “GREEN” TODAY

Ask yourself the following questions about your purchase.
  • Is the product energy-efficient in production and use?
  • Does the product have a high recycled/post-consumer contract?
  • Is the product reusable?
  • Does the product have less, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging?
  • Will the product last (is it durable)?
  • Was the product produced locally or regionally?
  • Overall, is the product the least environmentally damaging throughout its lifetime (i.e. manufacturing, use, and disposal)?
  • Is the product non-toxic or minimally toxic (preferably biodegradable)?
  • Can the product by recycled and, if not recyclable, may it be disposed of safely?
  • Is the product made from raw materials obtained in an environmentally sound sustainable manner?
  • Overall, is the product the least environmentally damaging throughout its lifetime (i.e. manufacturing, use, and disposal)?

BUYING “GREEN” HELPS TO

Ask yourself the following questions about your purchase.
  • Improve the safety and health of our students, staff, faculty, and the public.
  • Conserve natural resources and energy.
  • Stimulate new markets for recycled materials and create jobs.
  • Improve awareness of environmental stewardship.
  • Comply with environmental laws and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF PREFERABLE PRACTICES OR PRODUCTS

Ask yourself the following questions about your purchase.
  • Computers, laptops or monitors that are EPEAT Silver rated or higher (to see whether your product is EPEAT rated, search the EPEAT Registry https://epeat.net/)
  • Recycled copier and printer paper (30% or greater post-consumer fiber).
  • Utilizing and supporting small businesses and local businesses.

OTHER RESOURCES


Other websites you may want to refer to for Environmentally Preferred Purchasing information

University of Utah Office of Sustainability
Learn More
Energy Star
Learn More
Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)
Learn More
Federal Energy Management
Learn More
Pollution Prevention Regional Information Center
Learn More
National Association of Educational Procurement
Learn More
EPA-Paper and Paper Products
Learn More
Environmental Protection Agency
Learn More
National Institute of Health, Green Purchasing
Learn More
Conservatree (Paper)
Learn More
State of Utah Contracts
Learn More
Forest Stewardship Council
Learn More
US Green Building Council
Learn More
NASPO Green Purchasing Guide
Learn More