These Guidelines are intended to support sustainable purchasing practices across Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) by integrating environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and resource conservation considerations into institutional procurement activities. The Guidelines align with the University’s sustainability objectives and near-zero carbon campus development goals.
2. Applicability
These Guidelines apply institution-wide and provide direction for the procurement of goods and services across multiple commodity categories, including office supplies, equipment, building systems, facilities-related materials, and operational services. All departments and units are encouraged to follow these Guidelines when making purchasing decisions.
3. Guiding Framework
WKU’s sustainable procurement practices are guided by China’s national government procurement regulations and are implemented through the University’s internal procurement management procedures. Sustainability considerations are incorporated into institutional procurement guidelines to support consistent application across campus.
4. Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines
4.1 Energy-Efficient and Environmentally Preferable Products
Priority should be given to energy-saving products that meet recognized energy efficiency standards.
Where applicable, products certified by nationally recognized certification bodies and demonstrating verified energy-saving performance should be preferred.
For products subject to mandatory energy-efficiency requirements, such standards should be strictly followed.
4.2 Sustainability Considerations Across Multiple Commodity Categories
Sustainability criteria should be considered across a wide range of commodity categories, including but not limited to:
Office and information technology equipment
Lighting, HVAC, and other mechanical and electrical systems
Building materials and facilities-related equipment
Purchasing decisions should consider energy performance, durability, and environmental impact where relevant.
4.3 Supplier Qualification and Lifecycle Considerations
Suppliers should meet eligibility requirements stipulated under applicable procurement regulations and University procurement procedures.
Preference should be given to suppliers that demonstrate reliable product quality, mature technology, stable supply capacity, and adequate after-sales service.
Lifecycle factors—such as product lifespan, operational energy use, maintenance requirements, and end-of-life considerations—should be taken into account when feasible.
4.4 Packaging, Waste Reduction, and Resource Efficiency
Where practicable, procurement activities should encourage reduced packaging and the use of recyclable or reusable materials.
Preference may be given to products that support waste reduction, resource efficiency, and environmentally responsible disposal.
5. Implementation
These Guidelines are implemented through the University’s procurement and asset management functions as part of routine purchasing procedures.
Departments are encouraged to incorporate these sustainability considerations into procurement planning and purchasing decisions.
The University may periodically review procurement practices to enhance alignment with sustainability objectives.
6. Continuous Improvement
WKU will continue to refine its sustainable procurement guidelines in coordination with broader campus sustainability initiatives, including energy management, water efficiency, and near-zero carbon operations.
Logistics Office (Procurement Center & Green Campus Office)
These product-specific sustainability criteria are applied by Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) to support environmentally responsible purchasing decisions across key commodity and service categories. The criteria reflect actual procurement and operational practices on campus and are implemented through the University’s procurement and contract management processes.
A. Information Technology Equipment and Building-Related Systems
When procuring information technology equipment and other energy-dependent systems, the University considers:
Compliance with applicable energy-efficiency requirements and performance standards.
Preference for products with low energy consumption and long service life, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient electronic equipment, and rechargeable batteries.
Consideration of durability, upgradeability, maintenance requirements, and replacement cycles.
Support for responsible end-of-life management, including reuse, recycling, and compliant disposal.
B. Transportation Services, Vehicles, and Fuels
Sustainability considerations for transportation-related procurement include:
Preference for energy-efficient vehicles, lower-emission transportation options, and optimized fleet configurations.
Evaluation of fuel consumption, operational efficiency, and maintenance practices.
Encouragement of alternative energy or cleaner fuel options where feasible.
Consideration of service providers’ ability to support safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations.
C. Consumable Office Products and General Supplies
For consumable office products and frequently used supplies, WKU applies sustainability criteria including:
Preference for products certified under recognized national environmental or energy-efficiency certification programs, such as China Environmental Labeling (Type I) certification and energy-saving product certification.
Encouragement of reduced paper consumption through paperless workflows, double-sided printing, and controlled use of paper supplies.
Preference for recycled-content paper or paper products with environmental certifications, where available.
Consideration of product durability, consumption rate, and service life to minimize waste generation.
Encouragement of reduced packaging and the use of recyclable or environmentally preferable packaging materials.
D. Furniture, Fixtures, and Interior Furnishings
When selecting furniture and interior furnishings, the University considers:
Product durability, structural quality, and suitability for long-term use.
Compliance with applicable environmental and health standards related to materials and finishes.
Preference for furniture that can be repaired, reused, or reconfigured to extend service life.
Consideration of indoor environmental quality and ease of maintenance.
E. Chemically Intensive Products and Related Services
For chemically intensive products and services, including cleaning, laboratory, and maintenance-related chemicals:
Products must comply with national environmental, health, and safety regulations.
Preference is given to products with reduced toxicity, lower hazardous substance content, and improved safety profiles.
Suppliers are required to provide safety data sheets, appropriate labeling, and guidance for proper use and disposal.
Where feasible, alternatives that reduce overall chemical usage or environmental impact are encouraged.
F. Food Service Operations and Providers
In evaluating food service providers and related services, WKU considers sustainability factors such as:
Compliance with food safety, environmental protection, and waste management regulations.
Operational practices that reduce food waste, packaging waste, and unnecessary resource consumption.
Consideration of energy and water efficiency in food preparation and service operations.
Ability to support responsible daily operations within campus facilities.
G. Garments, Linens, and Uniforms
For garments, linens, and related textile products:
Preference is given to durable products suitable for repeated use and laundering.
Products should comply with applicable environmental and health standards related to dyes and chemical treatments.
Consideration of service life, replacement cycles, and responsible reuse or disposal practices.
H. Professional and Operational Service Providers
When procuring services, sustainability considerations include:
Compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
Preference for providers demonstrating efficient resource use, reduced paper consumption, and digital service delivery.
Evaluation of service quality, reliability, and operational efficiency.
I. Cross-Cutting Implementation Measures
Across applicable product categories, WKU supports:
The establishment of collection and compliant disposal mechanisms for used batteries, lamps, toner cartridges, and similar consumables.
Supplier engagement to reduce excessive packaging and encourage recyclable or degradable packaging materials.
The development of usage and maintenance guidance, as well as communication and training activities, to promote resource conservation and sustainable consumption behaviors among faculty, staff, and students.
