Purchasing

recycled office paper

91 percent of the office paper purchased on campus is 100 percent post-consumer recycled chlorine-free paper.

Since 2008, the Purchasing Department has worked with suppliers to encourage more efficient manufacturing and delivery processes that fulfill the University’s evolving sustainability requirements. Some of Princeton’s most aggressive green purchasing initiatives include its transition to chemical-free “blue” cleaning products and its policy to purchase only 100 percent post-consumer chlorine-free recycled printer and copier paper. Princeton also participates actively in one national and four regional purchasing cooperatives, which provide opportunities for broader sustainability impact among suppliers.

Goal

Encourage sustainability in the supply chain and procurement of purchased goods and services.

Progress

  • Aspen Recycled Paper - 100% Post-Consumer Content

    In 2016, 91 percent of general-use office paper purchased was 100 percent post-consumer recycled, chlorine-free paper, up from 67 percent in 2008.

  • OfficeMax remanufactured ink cartridges

    Last year, the portion of re-manufactured printer cartridges purchased increased to about 59 percent from just 1 percent in 2009.

  • STARS Silver Award

    The AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) allows metric-driven progress assessment across operations and academics for North American higher education and has recognized Princeton at the Silver leadership level. 

  • green seal cleaning product logo

    About 60 percent by volume of chemical cleaners and soaps purchased were Green Seal™ certified, an increase from 34 percent in 2010.

  • printer

    The University purchased about the same amount of paper per capita in 2016 as last year, and 167 fewer tons than 2008. Since 2009, when a student print quota was instituted, sheets printed in computer clusters and public libraries have declined by 32 percent.

Pause

Amount and Type of Paper Purchased 2016

paper graph
paper graph

In 2016, 91 percent of general-use office paper purchased was 100 percent post-consumer recycled, chlorine-free paper, up from 67 percent in 2008.

What’s Next

  • Expand default “green” purchasing processes for standard office supplies.

  • Develop campus procurement standards for various classes of electric and low-emission vehicles.

  • Host a Sustainable Purchasing Fair for the University community.

  • Evaluate potential shifts in metrics that include human and environmental health impacts.

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