Purchasing decisions at Washington University affect not only budgets but also the health of our community and environment. In partnership with the Office of Sustainability, Supply Chain Management promotes Environmentally Preferred Purchasing (EPP) — choosing products and services that reduce negative impacts on people and the planet.
Jump to Section:
Procure Sustainably
Departments are encouraged to consider quality (lifecycle costs), service, reliability, sustainability, strategies to reduce consumption and total cost of ownership—not just price—when making purchases.
- Improves worker safety and reduces regulatory risk.
- Conserves energy, water, and natural resources.
- Reduces waste through durable, reusable, and recyclable options.
- Supports recycling markets and environmental goals.
Departments manage their own budgets but are encouraged to weigh environmental and social impacts alongside cost. When sustainable options have higher upfront costs, consider lifecycle costs (energy use, disposal, and replacement) or strategies to reduce consumption.
Sustainability also includes social and economic equity. WashU’s procurement practices aim to:
- Expand opportunities for small, local, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses
- Support community development and ethical labor practices
- Strengthen local economic resilience through inclusive supplier partnerships
Identify inclusive suppliers with Supply Chain Management Supplier & Event Directories.
All purchases must follow Washington University’s Purchasing Policies and Terms. Departments are encouraged to:
- Choose suppliers with sustainable or inclusive practices.
- Document their evaluation and decision-making for major purchases.
- Contact supplychain@wustl.edu or sustainability@wustl.edu for specialized guidance.
Suppliers may be asked to provide annual reporting by category (e.g., apparel, janitorial supplies, copy paper) to track progress toward WashU’s sustainability goals. Please contact the Office of Sustainability at Sustainability@wustl.edu if you have any questions.
Sustainable Computer Products
When cost-effective, purchase available Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) computers for your product needs. EPEAT is an easy-to-use, online tool helping institutional purchasers select and compare computer desktops, laptops, and monitors based on their environmental attributes.
Suppliers with EPEAT computer products:
When purchasing computers and electronic equipment, departments are encouraged to select products that minimize environmental impact, extend product life, and reduce waste. These practices support WashU’s sustainability goals while maintaining high performance.
- Extend product life: Repair and refurbish broken electronics whenever possible. Choose models with replaceable or rechargeable components to improve longevity.
- Repurpose older devices: Use older or less powerful equipment for secondary or less intensive functions until they can no longer perform effectively.
- Donate responsibly: Functional computers and accessories may be donated, but all donations must follow university data security protocols (contact the Office of Sustainability for guidance).
- Recycle properly: When equipment can no longer be repaired, recycle through R2, E-Stewards, or other certified recycling programs.
- Avoid hazardous materials: Products containing mercury are prohibited unless no mercury-free alternative exists. In such cases, select products with the lowest mercury content necessary for performance.
- Printer standards: Printers must support double-sided printing and be compatible with WashU’s post-consumer recycled content (PCRC) paper requirements.
- Sustainable shipping:
- Minimize disposable packaging; avoid Styrofoam and hard-to-recycle materials.
- Use reusable crates or pallets instead of boxes when possible.
- Ensure cardboard packaging includes at least 25% PCRC content.
- Certifications: All electronics must meet at least ENERGY STAR standards and, when available, carry EPEAT or TCO certification.
- Vendor expectations: Suppliers should disclose the recycled content, sustainability certifications, and environmental attributes of their products.
Category Guidelines
All apparel, uniforms, and promotional merchandise displaying WashU logos must be purchased from licensed suppliers approved by the university’s Trademark Licensing Program.
WashU is affiliated with the Fair Labor Association and the Worker Rights Consortium, supporting fair labor practices globally.
Guidance:
- Seek durable, high-quality products to reduce waste.
- Prefer organic, plant-based, recycled, or biodegradable textiles.
- Prioritize suppliers offering verified sustainable or fair-trade certifications.
WashU prohibits the sale and/or distribution of single-serve bottled water on campus.
- Applies to vending machines, retail outlets, and purchases made with university funds.
- Exceptions require joint approval from Supply Chain Management and the Office of Sustainability.
- When single-use packaging is unavoidable, choose boxed water options.
(The Medical Campus is currently exempt.) Read the Bottled Water Policy.
Use environmentally responsible cleaning and paper products to protect health and reduce pollution.
Requirements:
- Cleaning solvents must be biodegradable and phosphate-free.
- Prefer citrus-based or electrolyzed water cleaners when possible.
- Products should hold at least one third-party certification: Green Seal, ECOLOGO, Blue Angel, Cradle to Cradle, Nordic Swan, FSC, or US EPA Safer Choice.
Reporting: Departments and contractors must annually report total expenditures and green-certified product spend.
WashU recommends copy paper with a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content, and higher where possible.
Preferred product hierarchy:
- FSC Recycled, 100% FSC, 100% Recycled, or Tree-free (agricultural residue)
- FSC Mixed label
- High recycled content (post-consumer preferred)
All paper must be Processed Chlorine Free (PCF) and FSC certified.
Electronic purchasing should prioritize repairability, longevity, and responsible recycling.
Requirements:
- Products must be EPEAT, ENERGY STAR, or TCO certified.
Prefer replaceable and rechargeable components. - Extend life through repair or secondary use before disposal.
- Recycle through R2 or E-Stewards certified programs.
- Avoid products containing mercury unless no alternative exists.
- Minimize packaging waste; avoid Styrofoam and hard-to-recycle materials.
Preferred Vendors: Dell, CDW, GovConnection, Hewlett-Packard.
Preference goes to suppliers offering local, ethical, and sustainably produced food.
Recognized certifications include:
- Sustainable Agriculture or Organic (IFOAM)
- Fair Trade (Fairtrade International, Fair Trade USA, Ecocert, SPP)
- Rainforest Alliance or LEAF Marque
- Marine Stewardship Council or Seafood Watch “Best Choices”
- Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved
- Use reusable or refillable items whenever possible.
- Styrofoam and expanded polystyrene are prohibited.
- When disposables are necessary, use PFAS-free compostable or recyclable options.
- Preference for items with high post-consumer recycled content.
Preferred order of purchase:
- Remanufactured High-Yield
- OEM High-Yield
- Remanufactured Standard
All remanufactured cartridges must meet or exceed OEM standards and comply with recognized eco-labels such as UL EcoLogo, Blue Angel, or ASTM standards.
Avoid “clone” or “compatible” cartridges that don’t meet sustainability or performance standards.
Explore approved EO 4 Specification: Monochrome Toner Cartridges
Visit the Green Labs Resources for specific guidance.
Buy green-certified, recycled, or repurposed supplies when available.
Recommendations:
- Use the Office Supply Exchange before purchasing new items.
- Prefer durable, reusable, refillable, and recycled-content options.
- Use supplier filters that identify sustainable and diverse manufacturers.
- Organic and/or plant-based
- Recycled content
- Biodegradable
- Recyclable
Low-GWP refrigerants and high-efficiency appliances are required where available.
Guidance:
- Products should meet EPA SNAP and ENERGY STAR standards.
- Replace ultra-low-temperature (ULT) freezers older than 10 years.
- Recycle old appliances through EH&S or EPA Responsible Appliance Disposal programs.
- Avoid materials listed on the International Living Future Institute’s Red List.
- Prefer products free of lead and mercury.
- Use low-toxicity pest control methods (see Integrated Pest Management Program).
WashU prioritizes low- and no-emission vehicles. Hierarchy of preference:
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- Plug-in hybrid
- Hybrid-electric
- Alternative-fuel or low-emission vehicles
Guidance:
- EVs are considered cost-effective if lifecycle cost is within 5% of a comparable conventional vehicle.
- Include fuel, maintenance, and environmental benefits in cost evaluation.
- City of St. Louis Clean Vehicle Purchase EO
Supply Chain Management and the Office of Sustainability can assist with RFPs, vendor evaluations, and sustainability integration.
WashU is a member of the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC), offering free staff membership for training, resources, and networking.
- Useful & durable
- Reusable/refillable
- Post-consumer recycled content or biodegradable
- Recyclable