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Environmental Policy

Page history last edited by PBworks 16 years, 4 months ago

IITS- Sustainability Policy

1. PREAMBLE

Concordia University is an official signatory of the Talloires Declaration, a ten-point action plan for universities to incorporate environmental sustainability in teaching, research, operations and outreach. Sustainability encompasses three integrated elements: economic prosperity, ecological integrity, and social equity.

Sustainable economic prosperity considers the allocation of wealth as well as its scale and distribution. The emphasis is on development (qualitative improvement) rather than growth (quantitative expansion of the economy).

Sustainable ecological integrity recognizes that human impact, both negative and positive, echoes through space and time. It requires that humanity live within the carrying capacity of ecosystems, as do other species.

Sustainable social equity is characterized by a just distribution of wealth that meets basic human needs. It promotes meaningful participation of individuals in decision-making to nurture community vitality and self-determination.

To this end, this policy outlines the ways in which the IITS department, including administrators and staff, will endeavour to further departmental and campus sustainability.

2. SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

2.1 PURCHASING & PROCUREMENT

IITS shall strive to purchase environmentally and socially sustainable products whenever feasible. The department shall select sustainable products with attention to sourcing, availability, durability and pricing, where such goods meet or exceed the requirements as specified by the departmental end users.

This purchasing policy applies to products and services obtained through lease agreements, contractual relationships and purchasing practices with vendors, contractors, businesses and government agencies.

Product criteria include goods that are:

* Energy efficient

* Made from post-consumer recycled and/or renewable materials

* Recyclable

* Reusable

* Non-toxic

* Organic

* Locally produced

* Produced by companies committed to environmental sustainability, and which abide by fair labour practices as established by the International Labour Organization, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Convention of the Rights of the Child.

2.2. PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT

When assessing products and equipment for procurement, the department shall consider:

* Life cycles costs and impacts

* Waste prevention and waste reduction

2.3. PURCHASING EXEMPTION

The IITS department shall purchase environmentally and socially sustainable products unless such products do not perform satisfactorily and/or are unreasonably expensive.

When an environmentally and socially sustainable product is not available, first consideration shall be given to finding a comparably sustainable alternative to the purchase. If this is not possible, the vendor shall be informed that an exemption to the environmentally and socially sustainable purchasing policy has been granted.

3. OPERATIONS

3.1 RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND WASTE PREVENTION

The department shall reduce its purchasing by adopting resource conservation and waste prevention practices in its operations.

These operational practices include:

* Considering durability and reparability of products prior to purchase.

* Conducting routine maintenance on products/equipment to increase the useful life.

* Paper reduction practices employing duplex printing with all printers and copiers, double-siding print jobs, collection and reuse of non-confidential one-sided paper.

* Sending and storing information electronically when possible. This includes e-mail, website and electronic fax.

* Reviewing record retention policies and implementing document imaging systems.

* Employing and encouraging energy conservation practices for lighting, computers, printers and faxes, and other equipment.

3.2. ELECTRONIC RECYCLING

IITS shall be responsible to collect and properly dispose of old and unused computer equipment, CD-ROMS, and batteries through the appropriate channels provided by the university (such as R4).

3.3. RENOVATIONS

In any renovation project within the department work or staff areas, selection of new materials, equipment, etc. shall strive to install the most energy efficient and environmentally responsible options available, within the constraints of cost and availability.

3.4. SOCIAL EVENTS

In organizing and hosting social events, the IITS department shall seek to;

* reduce waste by avoiding disposable dishware (such as paper or Styrofoam), and excessive orders for food

* support local producers

* be inclusive and accessible to all members

4. AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

4.1 New Employees

The IITS Sustainability Committee and the Department Director shall provide new employees with information about the activities, current initiatives, and work norms as they relate to sustainability.

4.2 Current Employees

Initiatives shall be planned and implemented to involve colleagues and other interested community members in sustainable activities. On campus resources and assistance for such activities shall be provided by the Sustainable Ambassador Program.

5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1. Department Director

The department director shall ensure the implementation of this policy and the adherence to its specifications by all members, divisions, and committees within the department. The chair shall explain and promote this policy through appropriate internal and external resources. The director shall communicate with and inform vendors of the environmental purchasing policy.

5.2. IITS Sustainability Committee

In cooperation with all IITS administration and staff, the IITS Sustainability Committee shall provide guidance and support for adherence to the policy.

This includes:

* Obtaining, evaluating and maintaining information about environmentally and socially sustainable products and services

* Developing specifications for environmentally and socially sustainable purchasing

* Sharing information with other departments and units within the university

Approval of this environmentally and socially sustainable purchasing policy is recommended by the Sustainability Committee of the Department of IITS and the IITS Director with review by support staff.

Director- Andrew McAusland

Director of Operations- Catherine Sutherland – involve in the first draft

Ordering & Purchasing- Maria Barreca – involve in 2nd meeting/draft