Procurement

Sustainable Procurement

Sustainability is an important consideration in the University of Colorado Boulder's purchasing practices. By incorporating environmental, social, and economic considerations into procurement decisions, the university seeks to reduce environmental impacts, use resources responsibly, and support long-term operational efficiency.

Sustainable procurement is one of the ways CU Boulder integrates sustainability and resiliency into its core operating practices. The university's approach recognizes that purchasing decisions influence energy and water use, waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions, and the overall lifecycle impacts of products and services.

Our Approach

CU Boulder strives to:

  • Reduce waste through reuse, repair, refurbishment, and responsible purchasing practices
  • Consider lifecycle costs, including operation, maintenance, energy use, durability, and disposal
  • Support the selection of products and services that conserve energy, water, and natural resources
  • Encourage the use of durable, reusable, recycled-content, and recyclable products when practical
  • Minimize the use of hazardous materials and support healthy indoor and outdoor environments
  • Promote responsible supplier practices and sustainable supply chains
  • Support local and regional economic development when feasible

Supporting Campus Sustainability Goals

Sustainable procurement contributes to CU Boulder's broader sustainability objectives by helping reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, lower environmental impacts, and support responsible stewardship of university resources. Through thoughtful purchasing decisions and partnerships with suppliers, the university continues to advance sustainability across its operations while supporting its mission of education, research, and service.

Procurement Resources

The Procurement Service Center (PSC) serves as the University of Colorado's central purchasing office and provides guidance on purchasing requirements, contracts, suppliers, and procurement processes.

Programs