Environmentally Preferable Procurement (EPP) Policy
As part of a greater commitment to sustainability, Yeshiva University has established an Environmentally Preferable Procurement (EPP) Policy. The goal of this policy is to make Yeshiva and the surrounding community a healthier, more environmentally friendly place.
- Procurement Services will make every effort to secure contracts with suppliers that are environmental leaders in their respective markets, whenever practical or feasible.
- Procurement Services will purchase products that meet third party approved eco labels when possible and practical. (I.e. Green Seal Approved Products, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Products, Rainforest Forest Alliance Products, Ecologo.)
- Procurement Services will purchase Energy Star rated Appliances and Fixtures in all areas for which such ratings exist. Please visit http://www.energystar.gov/ for more details.
Procurement Services takes into consideration the following when purchasing your goods and services:
- Recyclability of the product.
- Minimization of product packaging.
- Maximization of energy/water conservation.
- Durability as opposed to one time use.
- Locally or regionally manufactured products.
- Minimization of toxic and hazardous materials. Ie. No Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Mercury free, Urea Formaldehyde free, and low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Maximization of recycled content.
- Emphasize lowest life cycle cost and lowest environmental impact.
- Reuse of existing products or materials.
- Renewability of materials.
Procedures
Vendor Requests: Requisitions submitted will include the following statement or something similar identifying and/or requesting environmentally preferable alternatives. Requesting units may ask for assistance from the Procurement Department in identifying green alternatives.
“Yeshiva University is committed to purchasing products that are more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and healthier for our students, faculty and staff. Please, where possible, provide any “greener” product alternatives, preference may be given to products that meet third party green certification(s). A list of certifications can be found at http://www.business.gov/expand/green-business/green-marketing/green-certification.html “
Department Responsibility: To assist the university in its goals for a sustainable future, departments are requested to consider environmentally preferable products such as:
- Recycled-content and chlorine-free paper products.
- Energy Star rated appliances and equipment.
- Energy efficient lighting and light bulbs.
- EPEAT certified green electronic equipment.
- Biodegradable-biobased, Green Seal certified cleaning products.
- Recycled building materials: recycled concrete, carpeting made from recycled-content materials, etc.
- Low or no VOC paints, adhesives and solvents.
- Alternative fuels for use in vehicles such as biodiesel, compressed natural gas, electric, or other alternatives as they become available.