Arizona State University continues to be a leading university in the field of sustainability. ASU achieved gold in the 2015 Sustainable Campus Index in the purchasing subcategory of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). Since 2011, ASU has achieved STARS gold ratings.
“ASU Purchasing ensures that the university’s business partners are responsible, inclusive and that they encourage stewardship of the university’s resources,” said Betty Lombardo, ASU University Sustainability Practices manager.
The purchasing subcategory recognizes institutions that help build a sustainable economy by choosing environmentally and socially preferable products and services. ASU earned 93.5 percent of the points available in this subcategory.
To meet the university’s overall sustainability goals, ASU Purchasing implemented a “Green Purchasing” policy. As part of this policy, vendors must complete an 11-point Green Profile questionnaire before conducting official university business, incorporate recycled printing paper and use recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials. Other sustainable business practices are designed to reduce energy and water consumption and waste.
“Sustainability is critical to the mission and goals of ASU,” said Nichol Luoma, ASU Purchasing director. “We are honored to be recognized for our collaborative efforts to advance these goals in purchasing with the support of our students, faculty, staff and suppliers.”
Published online Oct. 13, the 2015 Sustainable Campus Index highlights top-performing colleges and universities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The program was developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to measure sustainability performance in 17 areas. Institutions are eligible to receive a bronze, silver, gold or platinum rating based on the overall number of credits they earn in four categories: academics, engagement, operations, and planning and administration.
Learn more about sustainable business practices at ASU.
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