Sustainable purchasing on campus

 

Here are some initiatives happening on campus:

 

Sustainable Procurement Initiative

The UVic Purchasing Services team strives to make procurement decisions that are financially, socially, and environmentally responsible. 

Supplier Code of Conduct

The Supplier Code of Conduct applies to all suppliers and sub-contractors. It ensures UVic's ability to invest in partners who share our values of social, environmental, and ethical responsibility.

Sustainable Purchasing Policy

The purchasing policy aims to drive positive change, foster innovation, and demonstrate accountability to the communities we serve. It seeks to engage suppliers in advancing climate action and sustainability, collecting data on sustainability metrics, and understanding the carbon impact of procurement decisions on campus.

EcoVadis

EcoVadis helps organizations evaluate their suppliers' environmental, ethical, and social performance. Thermo Fisher Scientific Equipment is one of the leading lab equipment suppliers on campus, and it has been assessed by the Ecovadis Tool.

Paper 

As part of UVic's annual greenhouse gas reporting to the BC Climate Secretariat, we account for and offset the carbon emissions associated with the entire lifecycle of the paper purchased with the Staples, who holds the current office supplies contract with UVic.  

Printing Services 

UVic Printing Services, the on campus printing provider, prints on 30% post-consumer recycled paper by default and partners with Ricoh to provide toner recycling services.

Cleaning products and equipment

Facilities Management has an extensive Green Cleaning Policy that outlines criteria for green cleaning products, equipment, and cleaning processes to maximize sustainability and minimize environmental impact.  Most products, as noted in the policy, meet or exceed Green Seal, UL EcoLogo, FSC, and EPA standards.

Indigenous Procurement  

UVic's Indigenous Departments have developed collaborative procurement guidelines with Purchasing Services to reduce barriers and engage with Indigenous artists and businesses, promoting Indigenous entrepreneurship and sustainable growth. 

Take a tour of Indigenous art on campus.

Food 

University Food Services prioritizes plant-based and sustainably or ethically produced food items. Univeristy Food Services is a proud partner of FEED BC, resulting in almost 50% of their food suppliers from in BC, many within 50 km of campus.

Fair Trade  

UVic measures and reports its total expenditures on certified Fairtrade products to achieve and maintain a "Fair Trade Campus" certification. Fairtrade ensures farmers and producers receive fair compensation for their goods and services, giving them a voice in the global trade market. 

UVic Bookstore  

The UVic Bookstore focuses on sourcing Canadian products, providing recycled and reusable school supplies, selecting brands with sustainability goals, promoting sustainable options like reusable drinkware, and minimizing its footprint by repurposing packaging, recycling electronics, and proper waste diversion.

Electronics  

All electronics purchased by UVic University Systems are EPEAT-certified, and products are evaluated based on energy efficiency, materials selection, end-of-life management, and more.

Find out how to recycle electronics on campus.

Furniture  

Facilities Management selects UVic's furniture suppliers through a RFP process, emphasizing key criteria that reflect UVic's values, including:

The sustainability of both the product and the manufacturer, as well as their proximity to UVic, play a significant role in decision-making. This approach supports UVic's immediate needs and long-term commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The Surplus Program avoids new purchases, significantly reducing transport and CO2e emissions associated with manufacturing new products.

Construction 

All new building developments consider social and environmental needs and involve consultation with UVic's Indigenous Departments. The new Indigenous Law Building, led by Indigenous-owned architects and construction groups, will be the 12th LEED Gold-certified building on campus.

The Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ (Cheko'nien House) project included sustainably sourced timber, exemplifying cradle-to-gate sustainable purchasing. It also acquired one of the first Passive House certifications in Canada with an industrial kitchen.

Learn more about green buildings on campus.  

Lab equipment 

UVic has developed a list of "greener product" options and a Green Labs program and works closely with the Energy Management team to monitor the emissions associated with these energy-intensive spaces on campus to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets outlined in the Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 2030.  

Procurement of chemicals and research equipment is highly regulated, and proper end-of-life practices are key components of a sustainable research program. As a result, UVic's Science Store and Occupational Health and Safety have been showcasing cradle-to-grave best practices for years.

Responsible Investing 

UVic has a responsible investment policy that sets out its responsible investment goals with respect to the university’s working capital investments. Included in the policy is a commitment to lower the carbon emissions across the entire portfolio by 45% by 2030, allocate 25% of the funds to thematic impact investments—including investments in companies that will be part of the required transition to cleaner energy sources and investments that support Indigenous economic development—and encourage better disclosure of carbon emissions and climate-related risks.

UVic also became an investor signatory for the United Nations supported Principles for Responsible Investment in 2020.  Ongoing updates can be found within the annual responsible investment reports of UVic’s Working Capital Investments.

Join the movement. We need help understanding the range of purchases that occur throughout campus. Please email to share your success story for inclusion on this webpage.