Sustainable purchasing plays a significant role in efficient resource management and waste reduction.  CUHK has adopted policies and guidelines to encourage offices and students to embrace the principle of green purchasing through incorporating human health and environmental concerns into the search for products alongside the traditional criteria of good value for money and high quality.

GP1 100% Recycled Paper MANDATORY M

Action

We use 100% recycled A3 and A4 white paper for in-house printing and photocopying.

Resources

[FNO] CUHK Centralised Tenders

GP2 Green Purchasing Guidelines MANDATORY M

Action

We ensure that our purchases (apart from A3 and A4 white paper) comply with the mandatory requirements stated in the Green Purchasing Guidelines.

Resources

Green Purchasing Guidelines (Section 4 - Mandatory 'Green Actions')

GP3 Other Paper Products 2 POINTS 2P

Action

We purchase or customise other paper products (e.g., name cards, envelops, letterheads, publications and promotional materials) according to the following specifications:

• must contain a minimum of 30% recycled content;
• must originate from a sustainably managed forest certified by internationally recognised standard (e.g., FSC, PEFC) for virgin fibre contents;
• must contain no or minimum level of varnish and coatings; and
• must use soy-based or vegetable-based inks.

Resources

Green Purchasing Guidelines (Appendix A – Recommended ‘Green Products’ and their ‘Green Specifications’)

Evidence

e.g., Specification of purchased items

GP4 Furniture or Equipment Purchasing 3 POINTS 3P

Action

Before purchasing any new furniture or equipment, we first consider whether the requisite items are being offered by other offices through postings in the ITSC’s Weekly Mass Mail.

Resources

Waste Management Guidelines (2.4 - Used Furniture and Equipment)

Evidence

e.g., Email correspondence of receiving furniture or equipment from other offices.

GP5 Other Purchases 6 POINTS 6P

Action

We purchase other necessary supplies and services (apart from the mandatory items listed in the Green Purchasing Guidelines) with due weight being given to the following green attributes where applicable and practicable:

• durable, refillable and upgradable;
• locally manufactured;
• minimal packaging and with options to purchase in bulk;
• produced by suppliers with good compliance with environmental legal requirements;
• with green certifications; and
• engagement of services from social enterprises which employ disadvantaged and minorities.

1–2 items: 1 point; 3–4 items: 2 points; 5–6 items: 3 points; 7–8 items: 4 points; 9–10: 5 points; >10 items: 6 points

Resources

• Green Purchasing Guidelines (Section 3: General Principles)
• [FNO] CUHK Centralised Tenders

Evidence

e.g., Specification of purchased green items