| This thesis explores the topic of 'green purchasing' in the university sector, with the goal of elucidating a possible path to greener purchasing for Dalhousie University. Unsustainable patterns of consumption can be reigned in by enlightened purchasing of goods and services. However, there are formidable barriers against the widespread adoption of green purchasing practices.;This thesis proposes that universities can meet their obligation to purchase environmentally sound goods and services, without specifically committing to pay premiums for environmentally preferable good goods. A green purchasing policy is the starter tool that is pivotal in beginning this process. Under the guidance of a green purchasing policy, purchasing agents can seek and find the green products and services that are competitively available, but more importantly, they can begin to communicate with suppliers about environmental concerns.;Fifty-five universities around the world responded to a questionnaire that was dispatched with the goal of assessing the current state of green purchasing in the university sector.;To envision how a green purchasing policy might influence the purchasing operation at Dalhousie, two case studies were undertaken, into the acquisition of copy paper and office imaging equipment respectively. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
