Sustainable Purchasing Guide

Colorado School of Mines

Sustainable Purchasing Guide

Below are standard sustainability certifications for commonly purchased items.

CategoryStandardComments
Paper
  • FSC Recycled

  • Environmental Paper Network
    		• Look for 100% recycled or tree free paper
    Electronics
  • Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)

  • Energy STAR

  • Scientific Certification Systems (SCS))
    		• EPEAT “Gold” or better
    TonerEcoLogo
    Lab Supplies
  • ThermoFisher Green Leaf Label

  • ACT Label

  • LabConscious Endorsement

  • ACS Solvent Selection Tool

  • OSHA Green Chemicals Guidelines
    		• Purchased with consideration to toxins and waste minimization, durability, recyclability and reusability
    Facilities
  • Cleaning Products

  • Sustainable Facilities Procurement Tool
    		•
    Office Furniture*
  • Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Plus

  • Forest Stewardship Council

  • Greenguard

  • Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Indoor Advantage

  • Rainforest Alliance

  • BIFMA Level

  • Cradle to Cradle

  • OTS

  • Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex

  • TeP Oeko-Tex

  • Health Product Declaration

  • Declare Label

  • Facts Certification
    		• GreenGuard Gold or BIFMA Level

    *Note: all furniture purchases must be submitted to and completed by ODC.

    Prior to purchasing a new item, consider reduce and reuse. For example,

    • Can you reduce the amount of products purchased?
    • Can you purchase this item used?
    • Does this product avoid the use of single-use packaging?
    • Can you lease or share this equipment instead?