Development of an environmentally sensitive purchasing policy for the University of Manitob

This study examined the purchasing policy of the University of Manitoba in light of the environmental impacts associated with the production and consumption of goods and services in a modern economy. The purpose of the study was to explore and recommend to the University of Manitoba purchasing policies that would help minimize adverse environmental impacts. A simple product evaluation process was also developed as an integral part of environment-related purchasing policies.;The methods employed to produce and evaluate purchasing policy options consisted of a literature review, on-campus interviews, an environmental purchasing policy questionnaire (administered to several universities in North America), and a policy evaluation matrix.;As a foundation for action addressing the environmental impacts of purchasing and as a proxy for other kinds of environmental impacts (solid) waste reduction was recommended as an initial focus for the University of Manitoba.;Five purchasing policies were finally recommended for adoption at the university: preference for recycled-content and recyclable goods; sharing/exchanging goods and materials on campus; inter-institutional purchasing cooperation; promotion of supplier waste minimization planning; and purchasing education. The five recommended policies are to provide a basis for further environmentally sensitive purchasing policy change--and possibly other environment-related initiatives--at the University of Manitoba. The creation of a university "Environmental Procurement" committee able to consider the environmental implications of University of Manitoba purchasing practises and to authorize policy changes was also recommended.