2016 Sustainability Policies and Specific Guidelines: Policy and Guidelines on the Use and Conservation of Materials and Energy on Materials

Policy on the Use and Conservation of Materials and Energy on Materials

The University is committed to minimizing the amount of waste generated on campus and continuously innovates and undertakes campus initiatives to reduce consumption, initiate green purchasing procedures, and ensure that products are recyclable, safe and environment-friendly, including strictly complying with disposal guidelines.

Guidelines on the Use and Conservation of Materials and Energy on Materials

Office, Lab and Kitchen Equipment

Procurement and Purchasing. Priority is given to the procurement and use of the following:

• Low-wattage CFC-free equipment

• Low-wattage; higher EER (energy efficiency ratio)

• Longer life-span Equipment that can perform the same functions with lower wattage and lower emissions are preferred.

Unless otherwise justified, computers, printers, and other IT office equipment must meet standard specifications set by Central Purchasing Office (CPO), in consultation with Information Technology Resource Management Office (ITRMO) and the

units.

Usage and Maintenance. Users are informed of the proper use of such equipment through standard protocols.

Units are responsible for the regular check-up and preventive maintenance of such equipment, including scheduled replacement based on the item’s lifespan.

Waste Disposal. Fuel emissions are monitored, when possible.

All equipment are disposed of properly, considering the following:

• Possible recycling and reuse of the equipment or its parts

• Proper disposal of bulbs and other electronic/hazardous waste

Vehicles

Procurement and Purchasing. Priority is given to the procurement and use of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles.

Usage and Maintenance. Users are informed of the proper use & maintenance of vehicles through standard protocols.

Units are responsible for the regular check-up and preventive maintenance of vehicles following the University guidelines pertaining to Preventive Maintenance Vehicle Checklist Standards.

Waste Disposal. There should be a replacement program for school-owned vehicles within reasonable timeframes.

Generators and Grounds Equipment

Procurement and Purchasing. Generator sets with high efficiency and minimal noise are preferred.

Criteria for the selection of contractors/ suppliers/ service providers include:

• Use of energy-efficient and environment-friendly equipment

• Fair labor and environment-friendly practices

Usage and Maintenance. Generator sets are regularly tested. All equipment are subjected to regular preventive check-up and maintenance.

Waste Disposal. Equipment emissions are monitored.

Supplies: Paper

Procurement and Purchasing. The University encourages the coordination of the units with CPO in the procurement of paper in standard sizes and in bulk orders. There is preference for paper produced using clean technology, fair trade, and with a low carbon footprint.

All offices are enjoined to use A4 and legal sizes only, using Substance 20 for general use, and Substance 24 for special letterheads.

Usage and Maintenance. Users are informed of environment-friendly practices through standard protocols, e.g., paperless transactions/e-systems, double-sided printing, reuse of envelopes, folders and other similar stationeries, use old newspapers for wrapping purposes, when possible, and use of appropriate paper quality for different purposes.

Waste Disposal. Units are encouraged to store used paper in dry state and hold periodic Waste Trade Market to sell used paper.

Supplies: Cleaning Products

Procurement and Purchasing. Priority is given to bulk procurement and use of environment-friendly chemicals.

Usage and Maintenance. Users are informed of environment-friendly practices through standard protocols, including proper use – only as needed and in recommended amount/ dilution and follow safety procedures.

Waste Disposal. Units are encouraged to strictly comply with guidelines/regulations on proper disposal of chemicals and properly store such within premises for safety compliance.

Supplies: Paint Products

Procurement and Purchasing. Criteria for the selection of contractors, suppliers, service providers include the use of environment-friendly products (e.g., KNOxOUT for exterior surfaces) and accredited suppliers with fair labor and environment-friendly practices.

Usage and Maintenance. Units are encouraged to plan a schedule of building repainting (e.g., 8-year cycle for all LS buildings).

Waste Disposal. Units ensure that contractors and in-house users strictly comply with rules on disposal of (excess) materials.

Supplies: Construction Materials (cement, etc)

Procurement and Purchasing. Criteria for the selection of contractors, suppliers, and service providers include use of environment-friendly products, with labels attesting to high standards and accredited suppliers with fair labor and environment-friendly practices.

Usage and Maintenance. Units should strictly oversee the work of contractors on the following strict compliance with recommended mixing ratios (e.g., cement-sand- gravel mix) and processes, and proper use of materials as required and in proper amounts to avoid wastage

Waste Disposal. Units should ensure that contractors and in-house users strictly comply with rules on disposal of (excess) materials such as enforcing contractor’s disposal guidelines and reuse excess materials within the campus (i.e., by units, departments, and offices), when possible.

Supplies: Other Materials

Procurement and Purchasing. Laboratory chemicals are procured with the proper permits and stored in appropriate conditions. LPG systems consider the safety of stakeholders. Procurement of kitchen supplies considers the carbon footprint of the manufacture and transport of the supplies.

Usage and Maintenance. Users are informed of safety concerns and environment-friendly practices through standard protocols.

Waste Disposal. Units should ensure proper disposal of wastes such as recoverable and recyclable wastes are processed, and hazardous wastes follow recommended protocols (e.g., Freon from air-conditioners, mercury in fluorescent lights).

Related links:

• Ateneo Sustainability Guidelines

• Ateneo Sustainability Report 2020