“An education in ecological responsibility is urgent: Responsibility for oneself, for others and for the earth. Modern society will find no solution to the ecological problem unless it takes a serious look at it’s lifestyle. T he Commitment of Believers to a healthy environment for everyone stems directly from their belief in God the Creator.”
Pope John Paul II
The message of his holiness Pope John Paul II for the celebration of the World Day of Peace, January 1,1990

Villanova recognizes its role as a leader in the community with regard to environmental issues and demonstrates its intention to ensure responsible stewardship of the environmental resources under its influence through this green purchasing policy. This green purchasing policy exhibits Villanova’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Through the purchase of green products, Villanova will set a positive example and play a significant role in the advancement of environmental stewardship on the campus and in the local and greater community.

Definition:

Green purchasing is the practice of purchasing products and services that are less harmful to the environment - land, air, water – and all species that depend upon the environment for survival (including humans). Greener products are those that are made with less harmful materials or which are produced with minimal impact to the environment.

Goal and Procedures:

Villanova will strive to balance environmental and fiscal responsibilities in making green purchasing decisions. We will purchase products with the highest percentage recycled content available provided that the products meet acceptable use and performance standards.

In addition, Villanova will strive to purchase materials that are:

• Durable, as opposed to single use or disposable items
• Non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably biodegradable
• Highly energy-efficient
• Recyclable, but if not recyclable, may be disposed of safely
• Made from raw materials that have been obtained in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner
• Manufactured in an environmentally sound manner
• Causing minimal or no environmental damage during normal use or maintenance
• Shipped with minimal packaging (consistent with care of the product), preferably made of recycled and or recyclable materials

Products that meet the above criteria will appear on the university’s procurement list and will be given preferred purchase status.

The Environmental Team’s Green Purchasing Committee will be responsible for the yearly review of green products. Upon completion of this review, new products may be recommended for addition to or removal from the procurement list.

When appropriate, Villanova will include a clause in its bidding specifications that reads:

Villanova University is committed to buying products with recycled content or environmentally sustainable alternatives. Please offer any alternatives that you feel are available for this product and supply all relevant specific information about the product.

Any existing limitation within Villanova’s policy and procedures prohibiting or restricting the purchase or use of recycled product shall be amended to encourage the purchase and use of recycled products to conform to this policy.

“To instill within the Villanova University community a sense of environmental awareness.”
“To promote the practice of environmental sustainability and wise use of resources within and beyond Villanova University.”
"To produce a community of faculty, staff, students, and graduates that individually and collectively are environmentally literate and responsible citizens, and whose actions on a day-to-day basis reflect a caring for the Earth, and respect for all living species, and aompassion for humankind.”
VQI ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM
Rationale and Mission statement - Adopted November 28, 2000