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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC_SWMMAR_NC-DOA-Annual Waste Report-FY2025 Fiscal Year 2025 Waste Reduction Report Introduction In accordance with the requirements outlined by G.S. 130A-309.14(a)(l) and 130A-309.14(a)(3), the Department of Administration, Division of Purchase & Contract, submits the following report. This report serves as the annual detailed description of our agency's diligent review and revision of solicitation procedures, as well as the procurement and utilization of sustainable supplies and products. As legislation mandates, this submission is directed towards the Department of Environmental Quality, underscoring our commitment to transparent and responsible environmental stewardship. Purpose Statement This report provides a comprehensive overview of our agency's sustainable procurement program, embedded within the procurement practices and functional subsections of the Division of Purchase and Contract (P&C) of the Department of Administration. P&C facilitates by adopting sustainable business practices in procurement policies and decisions where possible. Strategic Sourcing Initiatives The Strategic Sourcing subsection supports the following initiatives. Statewide Term Contracts (STC) Through a systematic review of solicitation procedures, purchase orders, and Statewide Term Contracts (STCs), we aim to mitigate our environmental footprint while effectively fulfilling our organizational mandates by prioritizing reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and less toxic supplies and products and their conscientious use. This report underscores our dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability and accountability within our operations, aligning with broader state objectives for environmental conservation and resource efficiency. The data in this report depicts our usage of recyclable/sustainable electronic procurement transactions within NC eProcurement systems by indicators used by state agencies, community colleges, universities, and select local governments. P&C's Statewide Term Contracts are procurement agreements established to streamline the process of purchasing goods and services. P&C continues to improve contracts by offering a wide range of sustainable and environmentally friendly products. Recycled content is encouraged pursuant to G.S.143-58.2. The sustainable attributes of these Statewide Term Contracts are listed below in Table 1. Table 1: Statewide Term Contract Sustainable Attributes STC# Statewide Term Contract Sustainable Attributes 0003A Products and Supplies for Correctional Facilities 20%-50% Post-Consumer Recycled Content, 100% Recycled Golf Vehicles & Related Accessories, Equipment, Parts and Services release no emissions Agricultural Chemicals Items use recyclable containers, some of which are reusable or refillable. Packaging material such as corrugated boxes is also suitable for recycling. The manufacturing industry is heavily regulated, and these manufacturers also include sustainability efforts on their websites and marketing Gases: Medical, Welding Recycled Content or 100% Recycled Content. Some products are Green Seal Certified, EPA Consumer Recycled Content, 100% Recycled Content Motor Fleet Fuel Credit Card allowing charges at EV charging sites and provides reporting on EV usage alongside traditional Lathe & Metalworking Machines stainless steel, aluminum, and brass materials are used Vehicle Lifts and Garage Associate Equipment stainless steel, aluminum, rubber, and other materials are used Fleet Vehicles (All Types) stainless steel, rubber, vinyl, aluminum, and brass materials are used in the available options 2517A Tires and Tire Services (All 75% total recycled/renewable materials 2613A Electric Vehicle Charging Station Equipment, Accessories, Installation Professional Grade Tools 2711B Operation (MRO) Supplies Various recyclable content from wood, steel, PVC, rubber hoses, glass, and aluminum 2714A Various recyclable content from wood, steel, PVC, rubber 3016A Floor Covering & Recycled or recyclable content is required for the carpet covered within the nylon carpet specification 3121A Interior, Exterior and Interior paints are fume-proof (non-toxic) 4213A Medical Products Distribution glass and mercury. Lamp packaging that may contain 73% recycled content. Some of the lamps are low mercury (TCLP-compliant) and non-hazardous. Low flow plumbing fixtures are offered to reduce water consumption. Ballasts - electronic types are available that are up to 30% more energy efficient, last longer, support variable illumination, and reduce electromagnetic radiation compared to the older magnetic ones. Electronic ballasts contain no PCBs and can be disposed of in the trash. Reduced product shape and size also minimize packaging and metal enclosure requirements. LED Lighting- Contract consists of lamps for cove lighting, area lighting, downlights, troffers, and wall packs employing LED illumination for energy savings. Packaging is 60% recycled materials. LED illumination uses 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and lasts up to 25 times longer. Energy Saving Devices - Contract includes T8 size tubular fluorescent retrofit kits, LED exit signs, LED exit sign retrofit kits, occupancy/vacancy sensors, electronic dimmable ballasts, and controls. Products use LED illumination and dimmable ballasts for energy savings. T8 fluorescent lighting provides higher energy efficiency and less heat generation 4217A Defibrillators (AED) & can be recycled 4412A Recycled Content, 100% Recycled Content of paper, 5213A Window Coverings & Installation Options use renewable materials with low chemicals and particle emissions. Aluminum, steel, and plastic components are 100% recyclable. All packing materials 5214A Kitchen Equipment Various recyclable components, metal, glass, aluminum and brass materials are used in the options available. 5313A Grooming Equipment and Recycled Content. Plastic, cotton materials, and rubber 5610A Steel products contain 30-40% of post-consumer waste. Corrugated containers contain recycled fiber and 100% total recycled content and 90% post consumer content. Plastic 35% of pre-consumer waste, 6010A Document Destruction Services into other products Electronic Equipment and recycling of computer monitors, televisions, desktop CPUs, laptop computers, printers, scanners, keyboards, and mice, copy machines, tablets, DVD players, VCRs, stereo systems, tape players, CD players, radios, telephones, cell phones, readers, network equipment, servers, fax machines, electronic games, cable and wire, batteries, and other consumer electronics generated by 7811C Type C (Conventional) Electric bus options provided 880A Audio Visual and Photographic Equipment refurbishable Procurement Card 983A Equipment Rental Various recyclable components, metal, glass, stainless 983B Uniform Rental friendly/sustainable materials and the rental of uniforms reduces waste The NC eProcurement - Buying module displays 75 STC vendor catalog items within the application for a user-friendly experience similar to online shopping. During FY 2025, there were 822,259 catalog items, of which 95,819 were environmentally preferable products marked as "Recycled" to promote use. Table 2 contains the purchase order spend for the STCs noted in Table 1. Table 3 captures non-STC purchases designated as recyclable or sustainable by user selected indicator. Table 2: FY25 Purchase Order Spend of Sustainable Statewide Term Contracts Statewide Term Contract Purchase Order Count Purchase Order Spend 003A Products and Supplies for Correctional Facilities 2 $1,077.38 070G Utility, Transportation & Golf Vehicles & Related Accessories, Equipment, Parts &Services 36 $277,918.88 1017A Agricultural Chemicals 46 $451,377.37 1214A Gases: Medical, Welding & Specialty 416 $1,198,065.18 1411B Sanitary Paper Supplies 623 $3,822,916.47 1412A Office Paper 2410A Vehicle Lifts and Garage Associate Equipment 2611A Storage Batteries Installation and Infrastructure 2711B Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) Supplies and Equipment 7811C Type C (Conventional) School & Activity Buses 983A Equipment Rental Grand Total 29,704 $167,864,345.68 Table 3 - Non-STC Purchases Designated Sustainable by Entity Type Entity Type Purchase Order Count Purchase Order Spend Community Colleges 66 $59,558.42 State Agencies 6 $2,274.94 Grand Total 72 $61,833.36 Oversight Agency Procurement Initiative During agency open market, formal or informal procurements, P&C encourages state agencies to use recyclable and sustainable specifications. The list of specification adjectives meets the criteria for aiding waste reduction by being reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and/or less toxic than their traditional counterparts. Reusable encompasses but is not limited to: Refrigerant Recovery System (filters reusable refrigerant), Recycled Carpet Fiber, Re-refined Motor Oil, Recycled Paper Fiber, Recycled Antifreeze, Recycled Content Furniture (not traditional wood), Printers, Toner Cartridges, Uniforms More Durable can cover: Above-Ground Vaulted Fuel Storage Tanks, Classroom Furniture, Electronic Lamps & Ballasts, Vacuum Cleaners, Floor Polish, Grader Slope Attachment, Plastic Lumber, Mattresses, Vertical File Cabinets, Wood Case Goods, Wood Library Furniture, LED Lighting Energy Efficient - Energy Star can be applied to: Audio Visual System, Changeable Message Signs - Solar Powered, Lighting Fixtures, Lamps, Warning Lights - Vehicles Safety, Water Coolers Water Efficient has been applied to: - Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures 0.5 GPM lavatory facet nozzles and 1.5 GPM showerheads support the Governor's water conservation initiative during severe water restrictions statewide Recycled products include but are not limited to: Office Paper, Napkins, Paper Towels, Bathroom Tissue, Toilet Seat Covers, Plastic Trash Bags, Tires Locks, Vehicles, Furniture, Re-refined Motor Oil, Recycled Antifreeze, Storage Batteries, Traffic Cones, Tires Refillable has been applied to: Ammunition - Cartridge Refills, Drums - Steel, Fire Extinguishers, Cylinders for Welding, Medical & Specialty Gases Fuel Tanks, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, Toner Cartridges Repairable can be applied to: Defibrillators, Musical Instruments Used Sweeper, Heavy Machinery, Helicopters, Printing Press, Vehicles (automobiles, buses and trucks), Piano, Generator, Forklift, Golf Cart, Rail Car Mover, 3-Position Fill Station Refurbished/Rebuilt products may be applied to: Heart Monitor, Ultrasound, Defibrillators & ECG Monitors, Beds, Remanufactured Toner Cartridges Longer Lasting Floor Maintenance Machine Batteries, Library Furniture, Aluminum Nuts and Bolts - non-rusting alloys, Fluorescent Electronic Ballasts permit longer lamp life, LED lighting, extended-surface HVAC Air Filters, Synthetic Lubricants, Traffic Cones, Tires Less Toxic has been applied to: Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Compact Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, Dry Cell Batteries, Electronic Lamps & Ballasts, Fertilizers/Farm Chemicals, Inks for printing (using non-petroleum based inks), Instructional Art Materials, Markerboard Markers, Mattresses, Scientific Products (eliminating Freon), Refrigeration and A/C Equipment, Synthetic and Biodegradable Lubricants, Chlorine-free Sanitary Paper Products (napkins, paper towels, bathroom tissue, toilet seat covers), Cleaner Fuels (propane, gasohol, natural gas, bio-diesel), Diesel Exhaust Fluid, Vehicle Fuel Conversion Kits, Disposal/Recycle Programs (mercury content, electronics, oil, antifreeze, pallets, tires, batteries, steel) Recyclable has been incorporated in: Commodity Packaging, Commodity Metal Enclosures & Parts, Plastics, Steel & Reinforced Concrete Pipe, Chain Link Fencing, Electrical Wire, Treated Lumber, HVAC & Refrigeration Equipment- Refrigerants, Toner Cartridges, Motor Oil, Antifreeze. Compliance and Risk Management Initiative The Compliance and Risk Management subsection leads the following initiative. Procurement Compliance Reviews North Carolina Administrative Code (01 NCAC 05B .1605) mandates that the Division of Purchase & Contract (P&C) conduct compliance reviews on purchasing practices of all state agencies (departments, institutions, hospitals, community colleges, and universities). All compliance reviews, except universities, are conducted using data from the NC E-Procurement systems. Electronic procurement records reduce the necessity of conducting most phases of the analysis on-site, thereby increasing efficiency as well as reducing travel costs, fuel emissions and operating expenses. In addition, all P&C compliance files are maintained electronically, improving sustainability. Procurement Education Initiative The Procurement Education section leads the following initiative. Procurement Training The Division's Procurement Education subsection offers North Carolina public procurement personnel and contract administrators the skills to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively. Virtual training sessions offered online and free of charge cover topics such as Introduction to Procurement, Request for Proposal, Demystifying Terms and Conditions, and Specification Writing. Operations and Systems Support Initiatives The Operations and Systems Support section supports the following initiatives. Electronic Procurement Procedures and Systems The Operations and System Support subsection manages the Division's internal procurement operations and agency-to-P&C interaction within a paperless environment by formalizing submissions electronically. In our continued commitment to efficiency, the Division of Purchase and Contract has merged the functionality of the previous electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), the legacy Interactive Purchasing System (IPS), and NC BIDS into one efficient new eVP platform to optimize the way state purchasers and vendors interact (July 2023). Among other improved functionality, the new eVP has increased transparency through enhanced public vendor search features, consolidated vendor account data, automated bid/contract extension postings, and streamlined HUB and NCSBE certification application requests into a paperless process. The NC E-Procurement-SAP Ariba Buying module, used to process requisitions into purchase orders for final electronic delivery to vendors, has undergone several transformations to continue supporting the state's electronic procurement processing needs. Beginning in early 2019, the Division transitioned from an on-premises network management model to a Software as a Service (SaaS) model by implementing a cloud-based computing version of SAP Ariba Buying. This allowed the Division to decrease its footprint in the state's data warehouses. While decreasing our digital footprint through technology enhancements, the Division has strengthened visibility into the procurement process by deploying the supplemental SAP Ariba Sourcing and Contracts modules to state agencies since 2020. As of February 1st, 2026, the NC eProcurement enterprise-wide system has 62,937 registered vendors, 10,305 Ariba Buying users, 506 Ariba Contracts users, and 243 Ariba Sourcing users, representing 120 entities across the state. This includes state agencies, hospitals and institutions, community colleges, K-12 public schools, universities, and local governments. NC eProcurement systems continue to contribute to a sustainable environment by significantly reducing hard-copy document reproduction (paper, printers, and supplies) through electronic business transactions and documents. NC eProcurement Sustainability Assessment In partnership with Accenture, the Division of Purchase and Contract participated in a sustainability assessment to understand its green software journey through the design, development, and deployment stages of eVP. This assessment, completed in 2023, focused on architectural, behavioral, coding, data, and operational practices. Three major areas of improvement found in the assessment were: ■ Architectural - By migrating eVP to the cloud, NC eProcurement has naturally increased its sustainable architecture. When moving to the cloud, companies can see up to 2x energy efficiency from architecture and data storage alone. Moving to the cloud also opens additional architectural efficiencies. With platform updates, NC eProcurement can use Microsoft's latest performance improvements and energy optimizations. ■ Coding - Energy anti-patterns has led to more efficient code that uses fewer resources. By leveraging a low-code/no-code platform, rapid development has been achieved using fewer resources. Lazy loading, native to the Power Platform, has ensured that only the necessary data, images, and code is accessed when a screen is populated, ultimately leading to fewer resources being used without impacting the user. ■ Data - By migrating eVP to the cloud, NC eProcurement has increased its sustainable data storage by moving from on-premises data storage to colocation providers. This and the team's product backlog for purging unused data will support NC eProcurement's largest sustainability maturity increase. For more information regarding this report, please contact: David O'Neal, State Purchasing Officer and Director of the N.C. Division of Purchase and Contract, at 984-236-0210.