This page last reviewed/updated: 3/12/2013

The University of West Florida is committed to leadership in the area of environmental stewardship and preserving the environment. We are continuously looking for Green-Minded vendors and individuals to help us further the environmental awareness message and support the University's commitment to responsible environmental actions and practices.

Green Purchasing is the purchase of goods and services that minimize environmental impacts. It includes the purchase of products that have a reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose. Adherence to cost, quality and performance standards is important and need not be sacrificed. Many environmental products work as well or better than traditional products and can even save money. Switching to safer cleaning products can reduce incidents of allergic reactions, burns, eye and organ damage, and cancer connected with the hazardous chemicals used in many traditional cleaning products. Buying 100 percent recycled-content paper can reduce energy use by 44 percent, decrease gas emissions by 37 percent, cut solid waste emissions in half, decrease water used by 50 percent and practically eliminate wood use. Energy efficient vehicles and renewable energy can cut greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollutants while lessening our dependence on imported oil.

Procurement decisions include economic criteria, as well as a strong commitment towards environmental protection. Faculty and staff have the opportunity and are encouraged to purchase environmentally friendly products and service.

THE PRINCETON REVIEW RECOGNIZES UWF AS A "GREEN COLLEGE"
In partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, The Princeton Review produced "The Princeton Review's Guide to 311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition" and recognized The University of West Florida as "one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the USA and Canada." On April 20, 2011, this second annual edition guidebook profiled 308 higher education insitutions in the U.S. and three in Canada. This was UWF's first time being recognized.

Office Supply Program - Florida State Contract - Effective Jan 2011 UWF users can order office supplies from either Gulf Coast Office Products (GCOP), Office Depot (OD), or Staples. The following data includes office supplies purchased from GCOP, OD, and Staples:

33% of all supplies ordered from Office Depot contained recycled content.

7% of all supplies ordered from Staples contained recycled content.

26% of all supplies ordered from GCOP contained recycled content.

Green Guard Certified Furniture Purchases - A total of $558,130 was spent last Fiscal Year (7/1/2011 - 6/30/2012) on furniture that has a Green Guard Certification.

LEED Certified Buildings - The following buildings are LEED Certified

• Heritage Hall (Student Residence Hall) (Gold)
• Building 70 (Gold)
• Wellness Center (Gold)
• Child Care Center
• Science and Engineering, Building (Gold)

Recycled Toner Cartridge Program (Centralized Office Supply Inc.)

• $498.93 collected for cartridges in Fiscal Year 09/10
• $385.68 collected for cartridges in Fiscal Year 10/11

Energy Efficiency - A total of $261,299 has been spent this current Fiscal Year (7/1/2012 - Present) on Energy Star Computers.

Cleaning Products Program - A total of $2,031 has been spent in the current Fiscal Year (7/1/2012 - Present). Building Services Department implemented a green product program starting in November 2006 and completed in January 2007. Cleaning with Green Seal products offers an opportunity to maintain the level of building cleanliness with the added advantage of improving the quality of the indoor environment. Green cleaning products will result in a safer and healthier environment for students, faculty and staff by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. These products are also environmentally friendly and will reduce the environmental impact of traditional cleaning and cleaning products with little or no added costs. All daily-use chemicals are green and dispensed through an environmentally friendly dispensing system located at each custodial station. This represents 75% or more of the chemicals used. Supreme Paper Chemical is the awarded vendor for the cleaning product contract and continues to support the University in identifying and recommending additional green products. BETCO is the green chemical manufacturer.

Hazardous Materials Recycling Program - Recycling/disposal programs for printer toner cartridges, fluorescent light bulbs, fluorescent light fixture "ballasts" and non-working computer monitors.

S.E.A.S. (The Student Environmental Action Society) - A UWF student organization committed to educating students, businesses, and citizens as to the importance of environmental awareness and natural resource conservation. The organization is made up of concerned students and alumni who are committed to preserving the environmental integrity of our beautiful campus and surrounding community

UWF Office of Environmental Sustainability