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Environmental stewardship at Columbia University has taken a major step forward with the endorsement of recycled paper for printing and other office use.
On March 2, the University announced that its Office of Purchasing just negotiated a contract with the business supplier Corporate Express for paper containing 30 percent recycled content at the same price paid for virgin paper. Offices also can buy 100 percent recycled paper, but at a premium price.
According to Environmental Defense, a leading advocate for sustainability, 100 cases of paper containing 30 percent recycled content save six tons of wood and keep 4,800 pounds of waste out of landfills.
About 40 percent of the University's paper supply is used by administrative offices. More than 35 departments, including the Offices of the President, Provost and Senior Executive Vice President already have committed to using the 30 percent recycled content paper. Print Services has adopted the paper as standard for over-the-counter services and for self-service copiers.
The Purchasing Office's decision to pursue recycled paper followed three months of testing recycled stationery by a University strategic sourcing committee, representing the University schools and departments that buy through the Purchasing Office. Members of the committee included Students for Environmental Justice, Print Services and the Medical Center. Both the print shop and the student group began testing recycled paper in 2005.
"Students have been important partners throughout the process," said Lisa Hogarty, Executive Vice President for Administrative and Student Services. "In addition to helping test and evaluate paper as members of the committee, students involved with Students for Economic and Environmental Justice (SEEJ) also gave useful advice and feedback on strategies for its adoption. They consulted with student councils, surveyed over a thousand students, and helped conduct tests in two departments. Their work has allayed many of my concerns and facilitated our switch to recycled paper."
The committee tested the paper in the high volume production systems used by Print Services and in walk-up copiers and desktop laser and ink-jet printers. "The only way to get a competitive price is through volume buying, so the final selection had to serve many masters," said Hugh Horowitz, executive director, Purchasing Operations. "We're delighted to have found such good quality recycled paper at such a good price. None of our peer institutions has been able to offer customers the same price for recycled and non-recycled paper. A few have mandated the use of 100 percent recycled paper, but only by subsidizing it at the institutional level."
The committee evaluated product quality and availability, compatibility with current systems and cost. "Recycled paper is generally more expensive than what's known as 'virgin paper,' " said Horowitz, "not only because processing costs must be added in, but because demand is still low."
Horowitz says he hopes the University's entrance into the market attracts other area businesses to follow suit. He sees a time when the speckles on company stationery reveal the commitment organizations place on sustainable environment. Columbia departments and offices can order the paper at: http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/purch/pv_list.html . |
