Sustainability Guidelines

Connecticut College will strive to balance the environmental and social responsibility embodied by any given product with cost, performance and availability in making sustainable procurement decisions. The College will strive to procure an increased level of environmentally benign and socially responsible goods and services so as long as they meet or exceed acceptable use and performance needs and are available at a reasonable and affordable cost within an acceptable period of time.

Environmentally Benign

Connecticut College considers the following attributes as positive indicators that a specific product or service is environmentally benign. This list is not all encompassing and the College reserves the right to consider other attributes as presented by suppliers.

• Made from pre- or post-consumer recycled materials (post-consumer recycled materials are more ideal)
• Made with biodegradable or compostable materials
• Made with plant-based materials (i.e. plant-based inks)
• Items delivered or services provided ways that reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Items that are designed to be refilled or reused by the purchaser 
• Production of products avoids use of known toxins or chemicals

Socially Responsible

Connecticut College considers the following attributes as positive indicators that a specific product or service is socially responsible. This list is not all encompassing and the College reserves the right to consider other attributes as presented by suppliers.

• Products or services are manufactured or provided by employees that are paid fair wages, allowing them to provide necessities for themselves and their families
• Products were manufactured in safe working environments where employees have access to all necessary safety equipment and are allowed scheduled breaks, depending on their work schedule and tasks
• All persons exposed to known toxins and/or chemicals are warned of the risks and educated on how best to protect themselves
• Products or services are manufactured or provided regionally, which the College defines as coming from the New England states, New York or Pennsylvania