Handbook of Business Procedures

7.12.4. INITIATIVES TOWARD A MORE RESPONSIBLE SUPPLY CHAIN

A. eCommerce

• In FY 2012-2013, the University placed over 42,000 purchase orders (over 56 percent of the total POs issued) and paid more than 41,000 invoices through UT Market, avoiding paper usage and mailing.
• The electronic catalogs within UT Market have provided an easy search mechanism for environmentally-preferable products.
• Promoted direct-deposit for payment of invoices, reimbursements and student stipends.

B. Toner Cartridge Recycling Program

Procurement and Payment services supports toner cartridge recycling through Document Solutions.

C. Green Computing

All standard desktop and laptop configurations available via the University’s contracts with Apple and Dell are EPEAT rated.  In 2013, EPEAT Gold desktop and laptop computers, displays, thin clients, televisions, and imaging equipment was approximately 91 percent of the University’s total spend on desktop and laptop computers, displays, thin clients, televisions, and imaging equipment. Another 5 percent of the total was EPEAT Silver- and Bronze-rated equipment.

D. Certified Low-Impact, Ecological Cleaning Program

In 2013, Green Seal and/or UL Environment (EcoLogo) certified cleaning and janitorial products was approximately 88 percent of the University’s total spend on cleaning and janitorial products. For more information on this initiative, refer to the Sustaining by Protecting the Environment page.

E. Recycled Office Products

In 2013, approximately 40 percent of the University’s total spend on copy/printer paper included recycled content.

For the first quarter of 2014, 3.8 percent of general office products, paper and toner purchased through the University's primary supplier had recycled content.

F. Inclusive and Local Purchasing

In Fiscal Year 2013, approximately 17 percent of the University’s total spend was with Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB). For more information, refer to Part 24.2. HUB Program

G. Food and Beverage Purchasing

In 2013, approximately 21 percent of the University’s food and beverage expenditures were local and community-based and/or verified sustainable by a third party, including local produce and dairy, MSC certified seafood, and certified sustainable frozen and canned vegetables. For more information about this initiative, refer to the Sustainability Initiatives page.

H. Vehicle Purchases

In cooperation with Fleet Services, vehicles are purchased on a one-for-one basis with one vehicle being disposed of for every vehicle purchased, to keep the number of vehicles owned by the University at a minimum. All requests to purchase new vehicles must give priority to purchasing a vehicle powered by an approved alternative fuel. As of 2013, of the 946 vehicles in the University’s fleet, 22 percent are hybrid gasoline-electric or entirely electric.

I. Campus Swaps

Procurement and Payment Services will coordinate the campus swap events with the Office of Sustainability and supply chain partners to reduce spend and the amount of waste generated by the campus.

Part 7. Purchasing - Table of Contents