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Green Purchasing

From resource extraction and production to distribution and disposal, the life cycle of an average product requires significant natural resource depletion and contributes to climate change and pollution. PSU’s 2010 Climate Action Plan estimates that over 40% of our greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the life cycle of PSU-purchased materials. By reusing existing materials and purchasing durable, recycled, and non-toxic products, we can minimize our environmental impacts and save money. See the Office of Purchasing & Contracting website for more information.

What PSU is doing to lessen our impact:

  • EnergyStar 5.0 rated and Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Gold certified desktop and laptop computers are purchased and recommended by the Office of Information Technology (OIT). Displays should be ENERGY STAR 5.0 rated and no less than EPEAT Silver.

  • The PSU Reuse Room offers free, repurposed office and school supplies to the campus community, and the Surplus Property Program redistributes reusable office and classroom furniture to PSU departments to reduce purchase of new products and minimize waste.

  • Preference for procuring Green Seal and/or Eco Logo certified cleaning products.

  • All cleaning products must meet the following criteria, per PSU’s custodial contract: 

    • Meet or exceed the relevant Green Seal standards.
    • No Sealed Aerosol Spray Cans.
    • No chemical cleaning product shall contain constituent compounds that are classified by EPA as known or probable carcinogens.
    • Products must not constitute hazardous wastes, as defined at 40 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 261, when offered for disposal.

  • Commencement gowns are environmentally responsible, compostable, and made from acetate instead of polyester. Students can return gowns for reuse by future students.

  • Flowers for commencement are seasonal, and purchased from a local minority, women, emerging small business (MWESB) vendor. 

  • Climate Action Team is working towards single-source paper purchasing, so that all paper purchased by PSU is delivered on a coordinated schedule (reducing emissions) and made with post-consumer recycled content.