Sustainable purchasing article series

Sustainable purchasing at Arizona State University is essential to our institutional commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The products and services we purchase influence the university’s carbon footprint, resource efficiency and supply chain standards. ASU advances its sustainability goals through intentional and environmentally conscious purchasing while modeling leadership for other institutions and communities.

The Sustainable Purchasing Article Series supports the university’s mission by promoting purchasing practices considering the full life cycle of materials — from production and use to disposal or reuse. Incorporating sustainability into procurement decisions allows ASU to reduce waste, conserve natural resources and support suppliers that share our values.

Embedding sustainability in ASU’s purchasing practices

Every purchasing decision represents an opportunity to make a difference. The ASU community helps drive demand for greener products and more ethical business practices by choosing sustainable options whenever possible. These choices reinforce ASU’s role as a global leader in sustainability and demonstrate how procurement can steer positive change.

Sustainable purchasing also reflects the university’s broader strategic priorities. It aligns with ASU’s Zero Waste initiatives, carbon neutrality objectives and commitment to continuous improvement in operational efficiency. Encouraging students, faculty and staff to consider their purchases' environmental and social impacts ensures we use ASU’s resources responsibly.

Through this article series, ASU Sustainable Purchasing provides tools, guidance and best practices to help the community make informed, responsible purchasing decisions that reflect ASU’s values. 

We are building a more sustainable future, one purchase at a time.