Purchasing

Academic Year 2011-2012 

Academic Year 2010-2011

Duke University Greening Initiative (DUGI)

Following a great start last year, DUGI's Green Purchasing Committee is continuing work with Duke's Green Purchasing Office in the evaluation of sustainable cleaning products that could potentially be used on campus. A number of products from various companies, such as Green Shield, Staples, and Eco Maintenance, have already been evaluated and this year we would like to supplement this work with a thorough testing of these products versus traditional cleaners.  To this end, we plan to provide interested DUGI members (and any other interested volunteers) with samples of green cleaning products to be used at home, and then have all participants report back with written descriptions and pictures comparing the cleaners.  As a second aim, the Committee is developing a central network for student groups to purchase biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils for meetings and events. This system will provide student group leaders with the flexibility to purchase only the necessary number of items, which will save money and limit waste associated with their group's events.

Academic Year 2009-2010

Duke University Greening Initiative (DUGI) Purchasing Committee: Fall 2009 Update

DUGI's Green Purchasing committee has teamed up with Andrea Myrick, Duke's green purchasing and supplier diversity program coordinator, to encourage environmentally responsible procurement across the university.  The committee has begun by evaluating new green cleaning products and production company practices to highlight environmentally preferable options that might be appealing to the Duke community.  A number of products from various companies, both local and national, have already been evaluated and we are hoping to test the effectiveness of these products versus traditional cleaners.  We would also like to perform a similar evaluation for green office supplies.  Once completed, Duke's procurement and supply chain management office will use this information to advise university purchasers of the most sustainable options for their needs.  Following the evaluation and testing phases of the project, the committee intends to develop an educational plan for encouraging green purchasing across Duke departments.  By working directly with individual purchasers on campus, we hope to raise awareness of the advantages and affordability of more environmentally preferable products.