Sustainable Procurement

Laurentian University is committed to the principles of responsible environmental stewardship through all of the University’s lands, activities, and functions. As an institution of higher learning, Laurentian University has a responsibility and commits itself by its actions to provide leadership and to serve as a role model in actively promoting the preservation of a healthy environment for current and future generations

To define sustainable procurement as it pertains to Laurentian University and to develop a framework to act as a resource for the university community. This will result in more environmentally responsible planning, purchasing, use and disposal of good at Laurentian University all while:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants;
• Improving energy and water efficiency;
• Reducing ozone depleting substances;
• Reducing waste and supporting reuse and recycling;
• Reducing hazardous waste; and
• Reducing toxic and hazardous chemicals and substances. [1]

[1] Public Works and Government Services Canada, Policy on Green Procurement: http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ecologisation-greening/achats-procurement/politique-policy-eng.html

• Floor care and lawn care causing minimal or no harm to the environment
• Recycled paper and products
• Vehicles using re-refined lubrication and hydraulic oils
• Lighting including LED lighting and EnergyStar sealed packages
• Cleaning products which are non-toxic or biodegradable
• Electronics which are EnergyStar rated
• Items shipped with minimal packaging
• Made of recycled materials, maximizing post-consumer content
• Durable items as opposed to single use or disposable 

The Laurentian University Office of Procurement and Contracts is responsible to promote environmentally friendly products and services through the following actions:

• Review contracts, bids and specifications for good and services to ensure that, wherever possible and economical, that they are amended  to ensure they use and/or contain recycled materials, recycled products, the maximum level of post-consumer reusable or recyclable waste/ or recyclable content, without significantly affecting the intended use of the product or service.
• Consult with all departments to explore identify and financially justify new environmentally friendly products and services.
• Make suppliers aware of the Laurentian University Sustainable Procurement Guideline.
• Purchase from suppliers, seek new suppliers and encourage existing suppliers that provide environmentally friendly products and services, that are environmentally sensitive in their daily operations and those that consider the packaging of their goods and reduction of waste/reusability from goods packaging.
• Use cost/benefit analysis to arrive at appropriate sourcing decisions that consider the requirements of the department and remains economically practical in addition to using the Laurentian University Sustainable Procurement checklist contained in this Guideline.
• In conjunction with the Laurentian University Manager of Energy and Sustainability, keep abreast of improvements and changes in industry standards that may impact the environment including participating in training for improving the procurement of environmentally friendly products.

To integrate sustainable procurement into every day decisions at Laurentian University, all departments are encouraged to:

• Identify environmentally preferable products aimed at meeting the purpose of this Guideline as previously outlined.
• Inform other employees and departments of their responsibilities under this guideline to promote sustainable procurement of environmentally friendly products and services.
• Submit suggestions, feedback and new ideas to the Procurement Department.