This page last reviewed/updated: 11/03/2008

The University of West Florida is committed to leadership in the area of environmental stewardship and preserving the environment. We are continuously looking for Green-Minded vendors and individuals to help us further the environmental awareness message and support the University's commitment to responsible environmental actions and practices.

Green Purchasing is the purchase of goods and services that minimize environmental impacts. It includes the purchase of products that have a reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose. Adherence to cost, quality and performance standards is important and need not be sacrificed. Many environmental products work as well or better than traditional products and can even save money. Switching to safer cleaning products, can reduce incidents of allergic reactions, burns, eye and organ damage, and cancer connected with the hazardous chemicals used in many traditional cleaning products. Buying 100 percent recycled-content paper can reduce energy use by 44 percent, decrease gas emissions by 37 percent, cut solid waste emissions in half, decrease water used by 50 percent and practically eliminate wood use. Energy efficient vehicles and renewable energy can cut greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollutants while lessening our dependence on imported oil.

Procurement decisions include economic criteria, as well as a strong commitment towards environmental protection. Faculty and staff have the opportunity and are encouraged to purchase environmentally friendly products and service.

• Office Supply Program - Prior to the award of contract to Office Depot, UWF's office supply contract was with Gulf Coast Office Products. UWF spend a total of $12,785.00 (June, July, and August 2007) with GCOP on office supplies containing recycled content. The following is data from the new Office Depot office supply contract:

  • Oct/Nov/Dec (2007) Quarter: $16,432.67 of recycled products were purchased from Office Depot. This amount is 30% of  all purchases from Office Depot.
  • Jan/Feb/March (2008) Quarter: $19,378.00 of recycled products were purchased from Office Depot. This amount is 21% of all purchases from Office Depot.
  • April/May/June (2008) Quarter: $19,323 of recycled products were purchased from Office Depot. This amount is 17% of all purchases from Office Depot.
• Printing Paper Program - Printing Services uses uncoated and offset papers which contain varying percentages of post-consumer waste, meaning these papers have reached the end user. Approximately 30% of the papers used by Printing Services are recylced.
  • Papers are primarily purchased from a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain of custody certified vendor. Paper mills represented by UWF's vendor support initiatives which include the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Green Seal. The implement practices such as water conversation, air-quality improvement, elemental chlorine free pulp, reforestation and alternative power sources such as wind power.
  • Printing Services does not use papers from overseas, especially those which are sourced from Asia because they have been produced under no environmental regulations. They also have an impact on the environment through shipping.
  • Most paper/supplies are ordered from one vendor who makes deliveries to campus once per week, decreasing environmental impact.
• Recycled Toner Cartridge Program (Centralized Office Supply Inc.) - $2,955 collected for cartridges.

• Energy Efficiency - A total of $297,663 was spent in Fiscal Year 2007/2008 on Energy Star Computers.

• Environmental Ecological Services - A total of $204,318 spent in current fiscal year.

• Cleaning Products Program - A total of $118,105 was spent in fiscal year 2007/2008. Building Services Department implemented a green product program starting in November 2006 and completed in January 2007. Cleaning with Green Seal products offers an opportunity to maintain the level of building cleanliness with the added advantage of improving the quality of the indoor environment. Green cleaning products will result in a safer and healthier environment for students, faculty and staff by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. These products are also environmentally friendly and will reduce the environmental impact of traditional cleaning and cleaning products with little or no added costs. All daily-use chemicals are green and dispensed through an environmentally friendly dispensing system located at each custodial station. This represents 75% or more of the chemicals used. Supreme Paper Chemical is the awarded vendor for the cleaning product contract and continues to support the University in identifying and recommending additional green products. BETCO is the green chemical manufacturer.

• Hazardous Materials Recycling Program - Recycling/disposal programs for printer toner cartridges, fluorescent light bulbs, fluorescent light fixture "ballasts" and non-working computer monitors.

• S.E.A.S. (The Student Environmental Action Society) - A UWF student organization committed to educating students, businesses, and citizens as to the importance of environmental awareness and natural resource conservation. The organization is made up of concerned students and alumni who are committed to preserving the environmental integrity of our beautiful campus and surrounding community

Other Links:

Energy Star
EPA Environmentally Preferred Purchasing
EPEAT – Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool
EPPNet
FSC – Forest Stewardship Council
GreenSeal
Green-e
Green Building Council (LEED)
Professional Resources Center for a New American Dream
Responsible Purchasing Network