Sustainable Purchasing Organization Recognizes BU’s Leadership
When you’re as big as BU, what we buy has a substantial impact on our environment and the economy. That’s why it’s crucial for BU to tap into best practices for environmentally preferred purchasing. In support of that, BU is a member of the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC). Here are some recent developments regarding BU’s sustainable purchasing practices.
Recognition
SPLC provides resources, opportunities for collaboration, and awards for large organizations. The Council recently recognized Boston University for its leadership, notably BU Wind and participation in the SP Foundations program, which was instrumental for launching the BU Sustainable Purchasing Program (SPP).
In addition, the SPLC January Newsletter includes a spotlight of BU’s Sustainable Purchasing Program, which launched in November 2021. Lisa Tornatore, Director of BU Sustainability, explained, “The BU Sustainable Purchasing Program aims to help the University maximize departments’ budgets through the reduction of natural resource usage and operating costs, while improving environmental and social impacts.”
Peer Learning
SPLC hosts a Peer Learning Circle which brings together a group of sustainability and facilities-oriented organizations. BU’s involvement is in alignment with the Climate Action Plan, which calls for developing relationships with other institutions and sharing research and experience. “We developed relationships with higher education peers across the country to whom we can bring burning issues and long-term planning questions,” said Tornatore.
As an “Outstanding Case Study on Sustainable Purchasing,” BU Wind is now part of the SPLC case study library, making the information available to other organizations so they can see what’s possible.
Boston University’s SPLC membership provides access to a wide array of resources (research, case studies, webinars, etc.) for anyone with a bu.edu email address. Visit https://www.sustainablepurchasing.org/ to learn more. Access the SPLC’s Case Study Library at https://www.sustainablepurchasing.org/library/.