Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

PCC’s Board of Directors first approved our sustainability commitment to sustainability purchasing back in 2011. In 2020 PCC adopted its own Community College Rules of Procurement [pdf] in accordance with ORS 279.A065(5)(a) and ORS 279A.070.

The sustainability commitment section states:

In accordance with the Oregon Community College Rules of Procurement, member colleges are committed to the use and purchase of environmentally and socially responsible materials and products which are fiscally responsible, reduce resource consumption and waste, perform adequately and promote human health and well-being. Recognizing their regional economic role, colleges shall seek opportunities to educate, encourage, and influence their respective markets by utilizing, where feasible, products and services including new environmentally preferable products, reusable products, recycled content and recycled products.

PCC’s Mission is to support “success by delivering access to quality education while advancing economic development and promoting sustainability in a collaborative culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

PCC lives its values in all aspects of its operations including effective and ethical use of public funds and purchasing items that support and value the people who created them.

PCC’s sustainable use of resources policy, BP 3551 states:

Portland Community College is committed to becoming a leader in academic programs and operational “practices that model the sustainable use of resources so that the needs of current generations are met without impairing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

As a large educational institution, PCC purchases a diverse array of goods and services that includes: office supplies, air travel, appliances, light and heavy-duty equipment, lab and cleaning chemicals, food, furniture, paints, landscaping materials, buildings, fixtures, and books. PCC also purchases services such as speakers, workshops, and contractors.

PCC has considerable buying power and the college’s purchases each year make up over one-third of our annual carbon footprint. Many carbon-intensive product categories include supplies commonly purchased with a P-card. Due to PCC’s buying power, the college can encourage market and supply trends that are in line with the college’s mission, vision, and value including benefiting people and the planet.

We encourage you to think about Other Considerations for Sustainable Purchasing [pdf] before making a purchase, including getting in touch with surplus property.