Procurement
Conscious procurement at Penn ensures the dollars we spend align with our values. All of Penn’s purchasing decisions have environmental and social impacts. We are actively identifying how to ensure Penn’s purchasing decisions consider its local, social, and environmental impacts. With sustainable procurement, we can contribute to an environmentally and socially resilient future.
Procurement
Conscious procurement at Penn ensures the dollars we spend align with our values. All of Penn’s purchasing decisions have environmental and social impacts. We are actively identifying how to ensure Penn’s purchasing decisions consider its local, social, and environmental impacts. With sustainable procurement, we can contribute to an environmentally and socially resilient future.
Penn’s sustainable purchasing practices take a full-circle view of the University’s spending, from building materials and business-travel expenses to campus food. By coordinating our efforts and sharing knowledge, we are able to develop sustainable purchasing policies and procedures.
Penn is an active member of the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council. The Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and recognize purchasing leadership that accelerates the transition to a prosperous and sustainable future.
Our Progress
Programs
Diversity & Inclusion Program
Penn Procurement’s Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program leverages Penn’s purchasing power to support the growth of diverse businesses and, subsequently, the Philadelphia economy. It engages with local, minority, LGBTQ+, women-owned businesses, veterans, and businesses owned by people with disabilities.
Food Purchasing
Plant-forward and local produce is healthy and helps boost our local economy while promoting sustainable food practices. Penn Dining’s commitment to purchasing more plant-forward and local produce is central to Penn’s dining experience and aligns closely with the program’s value. Impressively, 67% of Penn Dining’s spending is on plant-based products.
Sustainable Travel
Carbon emissions and the cost of travel are critical factors for flight selection. Penn’s travel platform, Concur, allows travelers to shop wisely for the most sustainable air travel options by highlighting cost and carbon emissions. Created by Penn for the public, this online booking tool helps people to make conscious, informed travel choices.
Managed Print Services
A comprehensive review and bidding process gives Penn insight into which suppliers best match University requirements, including sustainability goals. The Penn Managed Print Services (MPS) Program has contracted four suppliers to provide print equipment, supplies, service, and associated MPS software tools to Penn customers. Through these partnerships, we can help Penn customers significantly reduce office printing costs and gain control of their printer fleet.
BEN’s Attic
Reusing is a pillar in Penn’s sustainable procurement efforts. Through the online exchange tool, BEN’s Attic, surplus University-owned property is listed to be bought, exchanged, or given away. The website, developed by Penn’s Purchasing Services, operates on the principle you don’t have to buy new if you can find what you need here.
Specialty Recycling
Confusion surrounding specialty-item recycling can result in unnecessary waste, especially when products can be reused or recycled. Luckily Penn’s specialty recycling programs, made possible by our many vendors, help to drive sustainability in our supply chain.
Lab Supplies & Services
Laboratory needs are well considered by Penn Procurement Services. With access to vendors who focus on reusing or refurbishing equipment and with recycling programs and other services and programs like Green Labs, Penn is helping to reduce operational costs and promote sustainability.
Climate Impact Offset Charge (CLIO) at University of Pennsylvania
Learn more about CLIO in the Press Release and more about offsets in the FAQ.
Resources
Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 4.0 (CSAP 4.0) FY25-29
Penn's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan with information on actions to achieve the University's goals for FY2025 to 2029.
Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 (CSAP 3.0) FY20-24 Summary Report
Penn Commuter Survey 2023 Report
Report from survey conducted in Spring 2023 of staff and faculty commuting habits and preferences at the University of Pennsylvania.
Partners
Conscious consumerism and sustainable purchasing practices take a village; see the partners who make up this dedicated village here:
