Purchasing for Zero Waste: 3 Case Studies from Higher Education
Purchasing is one of the most critical places to look for waste reduction strategies. In any organization, most of the waste that goes out the back door initially came in the front door through purchasing. College and University campuses are further challenged by the diverse and widely distributed array of waste streams that they manage. This group of campus procurement leaders will discuss how they have moved toward Zero Waste goals through procurement of sanitation products, event services, and laboratory supplies.
The University of California’s zero waste goal includes a ban on styrofoam packaging. Presenters will share the challenges of implementing this foam ban with suppliers, and how different stakeholders (from procurement services to facilites) are collaborating to implement the ban, especially by leveraging purchasing contracts to advocate changes in product packaging.
In 2015, The Ohio State University set a goal of Zero Waste by diverting 90% of waste away from landfills by 2025. The supply chain and sustainability units from the Facilities and Operations division collaborated to reduce landfill waste and costs for the University. By piloting a “shovel ready” hand dryers program, Ohio State saw immediate monetary and sustainable impact. We will describe the process used to navigate a public higher education institution, as well as resolving the concerns that arose from customers on all levels at the University.
UC San Diego will present on the success of a zero-waste large event engaging 20 suppliers. We will present the process and approval basis for suppliers for a zero-waste event. Creating and defining stringent standards and guidelines. Preparation and management guidelines for planning, executing and closing the event. The requirements for supplier management, education, and communication. The event has provided Procurement with a roadmap to onboard, educate, and promote suppliers for future Zero-Waste UC San Diego events. The success of this event has led to multiple opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration and further development of zero-waste standards for suppliers.