Fiscal and environmental responsibility purchases for our campus require the combination of performance, cost and green design. Green product design means that all stages of a product’s life cycle are developed to minimize negative environmental impact, including the products’ disposal. For example, office furniture and carpeting are considered in light of their recycled content, optimum safety standards and eco-friendly opportunities for recovery, reuse or recycling. Eco-friendly packaging also is considered at the time of purchase, as many materials used in the packages can be harmful to the environment. Examining the life cycle of the products we purchase is a way to prevent what we buy today from ending up in a landfill tomorrow and is another effort we take on.

For example, between 2007 - 2011:

• 7,855 square yards of “green” carpet were installed.

• 6,700 square yards of old carpeting were sent to a reclamation unit, processed and then remanufactured into new carpet.