JCTC Green Purchasing Policy
Jefferson Community and Technical College is committed to the stewardship of the environment
and to reducing the University’s dependence on non-renewable energy. These Green Purchasing
Policies and Procedures support the College’s commitment to sustainability.
The goal of this policy is to reduce the adverse environmental impact of our purchasing decisions
by buying goods and services from manufacturers and vendors who share our commitment to the
environment. Green purchasing is the method wherein environmental and social considerations
are taken with equal weight to the price, availability and performance criteria that colleges and
universities use to make purchasing decisions.
Green Purchasing is also known as “environmentally preferred purchasing (EPP), green
procurement, affirmative procurement, eco-procurement, and environmentally responsible
purchasing.” Green Purchasing minimizes negative environmental and social effects through the
use of environmentally friendly products.
Green Purchasing attempts to identify and reduce environmental impact and to maximize
resource efficiency.
Green Purchasing Policies
1. Energy
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All desktop computers, notebooks and monitors purchased must meet, at a
minimum, all Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool
(EPEAT) environmental criteria designated as “required” (silver
registration) or higher as contained in the IEEE 1680 Standard for the
Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products, whenever
practicable.
Additional consideration will be provided for electronic products that have
achieved EPEAT Gold registration. The registration criteria and a list of
all registered equipment are provided at http://www.epeat.net/.
Copiers and printers purchased shall be compatible with the use of
recycled content and remanufactured products.
Remanufactured toner cartridges should be used in all copiers and printers
whenever feasible.
All energy using products purchased by JCTC shall meet the U.S. EPA
Energy Star* certification when available and practicable. When Energy
Star labels are not available, all purchasing units shall choose energy
products that are in the upper 25% of energy efficiency as designated by
the Federal Energy Management Program.
Suppliers of electronic equipment, including but not limited to computers,
monitors, printers, and copiers, shall be required to take back equipment
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for reuse or environmentally safe recycling when deemed appropriate by
JCTC.
Where applicable, energy-efficient equipment shall be purchased with the
most up-to-date energy efficiency functions. This includes, but is not
limited to, high efficiency space heating systems and high efficiency space
cooling equipment.
When replacing vehicles, JCTC shall consider less-polluting alternatives
to diesel such as compressed natural gas, bio-based fuels, hybrids, electric
batteries, and fuel cells, as available.
When practicable, JCTC shall replace inefficient interior lighting with
energy efficient equipment.
When practicable, JCTC shall replace inefficient exterior lighting with
energy-efficient equipment. Exterior lighting shall be minimized where
possible to avoid unnecessary lighting of architectural and landscape
features while providing adequate illumination for safety and
accessibility.
2. Water
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Purchase only the most water efficient appliances available. This
includes, but is not limited to: high performance fixtures like toilets, lowflow faucets and aerators; and upgraded irrigation systems.
3. Toxins and Pollutions
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Cleaning solvents should be biodegradable, phosphate free and citrusbased where their use will not compromise quality of service.
Industrial and institutional cleaning products that meet Green Seal
certification standards or environmental preferability and performance
shall be purchased and/or be required to be supplied by janitorial
contractors.
All surfactants and detergents used shall be readily biodegradable and
shall not contain phosphates.
Vacuum cleaners that meet the requirements of the Carpet and Rug
Institute “Green Label” Testing Program – Vacuum Cleaner Criteria, are
capable of capturing 96% of particulates 0.3 microns in size, and operate
with a sound level less than 70dBA shall be used by in-house staff and
required for janitorial contractors.
Whenever possible, products and equipment should not contain lead or
mercury. For products that contain lead or mercury, preference should be
given to those products with lower quantities of these metals and to
vendors with established lead and mercury recovery programs.
When maintaining buildings and landscapes, JCTC shall manage pest
problems through prevention and the use of environmentally friendly
products. They may either adopt and implement an organic pest
management policy and practices or adopt and implement an Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) policy and practices using the least toxic pest
control as a last resort.
4. Bio-Based Products
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Bio-based plastic products that are biodegradable and compostable, such
as bags, film, food and beverage containers, and cutlery, are encouraged
whenever practicable.
Compostable plastic products purchased shall meet American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards as found in ASTM D640004. Biodegradable plastics used as coatings on paper and other
compostable substrates shall meet ASTM D6868-03 standards.
Vehicle fuels made from non-wood, plant-based contents such as
vegetable oils are encouraged whenever practicable.
Paper, paper products and construction products made from non-wood,
plant based contents such as agricultural crops and residues are
encouraged whenever practicable.
5. Forest Conservation
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Purchase or use of previously used or salvaged wood and wood products
are encouraged whenever practicable.
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30% post-consumer waste recycled paper is the standard for all
applications where economic use of paper and quality of service is not
compromised or the health and safety of employees prejudiced.
All recyclable materials are to be recycled through the JCTC recycling
program. This includes, but is not limited to: paper, newspaper,
cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and steel.
All Toner, Laser and Inkjet cartridges other than those supplied by the
College’s current contractor for copiers (Xerox), shall be recycled through
Steve Schiller.
When specifying asphalt concrete, aggregate base or Portland cement
concrete for road construction projects, recycled, reusable or reground
materials shall be used when practicable.
The use of reclaimed stone and brick and the use of secondary or recycled
aggregates will be specified whenever practicable.
Transportation products, including signs, cones, parking stops, delineators,
channelizers and barricades shall contain the highest post-consumer
content practicable.
Products that are durable, long lasting, reusable or refillable are preferred
whenever feasible.
All documents (by JCTC and Suppliers) shall be printed and copied on
both sides to reduce the use and purchase of paper, whenever practical.
6. Recycling
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All surplused desktop computers, notebooks and monitors shall be
disposed of through Computer Services. They will handle the recycling
through an established contract.
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Packaging that is reusable, recyclable or compostable is preferred, when
suitable uses and programs exist and eliminate packaging or use the
minimum amount necessary for product protection, to the greatest extent
practicable.
7. Packaging
8. Landscaping
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All landscape renovations, construction and maintenance performed by
internal staff members or contractors providing landscaping services shall
employ sustainable landscape management techniques for design,
construction and maintenance whenever possible. This includes, but not
limited to, integrated pest management, drip irrigation, composting and
use of mulch and compost that give preference to those produced from
regionally generated plant debris and/or food waste programs.
Landscape structures constructed of recycled content materials are
encouraged. The amount of impervious surfaces in the landscape shall be
limited, whenever practicable. Permeable substitutes, such as permeable
asphalt or pavers, are encouraged for walkways, patios and driveways.
Plants should be selected to minimize waste by choosing species for
purchase that are appropriate to the microclimate. Native and droughttolerant plants that require no or minimal watering once established should
be purchased.
9. Food
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When purchasing agricultural products or catering services all food
contractors shall purchase Kentucky-grown agricultural products if the
products are available and if the vendor can meet the applicable quality
standards and pricing requirements.
Meetings best practices
Jefferson Community and Technical College
offers great locations for
planning projects, collaboration, and enjoying events. However, in the process, a tremendous
amount of waste is generated, much of it recyclable. The single most effective tool in reducing
waste at special events is PLANNING AHEAD. This guide was prepared to help JCTC staff to plan
ahead so that waste can be minimized and recycling can be maximized. Tools included in this
guide can be used before, during AND after meetings and events.
Why Conserve Resources? Minimizing waste also improves the efficiency of a meeting or
event. The more waste generated, the more time, money and resources must be devoted to
collection, transportation, and removal of these materials. Reducing waste from the start
increases the amount of time that staff can dedicate toward other important projects.
Meeting and Special Event Best Practices:
Event operators can help conserve resources and energy by preventing waste in the first place.
Consider implementing the following programs:
REDUCE
 Consider using electronic presentations, such as PowerPoint, instead of printed handouts
or transparencies that may be discarded after the meeting or event. Post the PowerPoint
presentations on a website or network afterwards, so attendees can download electronic
versions. Meeting attendees should also request electronic versions of printed items.
 Obtain an accurate count of participants to reduce excess copies
 Print on both sides of the paper (Use blank side of printed documents for scrap paper).
 Post large, central, easy –to-read display boards or signs instead of distributing
programs.
 Keep a set of washable plates and cups on site. Request that people bring their own
cups, utensils, and plates for refreshments, when possible.
 Reduce unnecessary packaging by buying in bulk or only what is needed (serve
condiments in bulk, rather than in single servings). Buy refreshments with the least
amount of packaging, including large bottles of juice & soda, cookies, snacks, cream &
sugar, etc.
 Use napkins instead of disposable plates for “finger foods.”
 Use washable rags, towels, and napkins for cleaning, instead of disposable napkins and
towels.
REUSE (Reuse can significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. The usefulness of
products can be prolonged without having to expend significant money or energy)
 Use reusable or reused materials for name tags. Collect them after event for reuse.
 Purchase products made of recycled materials
RECYCLE (Reincorporating materials into the manufacturing process, instead of taking them to
landfill; the use of virgin materials, which require more energy and resources to process)
 Make sure to always place recycling bins next to garbage bins.
 The more you can make recycling easy for vendors and attendees, the more you will
increase the amount of recyclables collected.
 Donate flower arrangements, leftover food, etc. to a charity
 Educate staff and volunteers about the importance of recycling and proper recycling
procedures.
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Make sure each volunteer knows which materials will be recycled. These individuals will
be able to direct event attendees to recycling areas.
Other Suggestions:
 Include JCTC recycling information in the event program and all other event information
 Request that vendors use reusable containers instead of disposable items. Include the
mandatory use of reusable items in the catering or food services agreement.
Styrofoam Policy:
Jefferson Community & Technical College has a “no Styrofoam” policy and a goal of zero waste.
Discourage the use of Styrofoam for any use on campus, and when appropriate, consider paying a
premium for alternatives. Continuous improvement in the elimination of Styrofoam is desired with a
final objective of 100% elimination.