Greener Resource Management Contracting: A Case Study at the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay

Abstract

Resource management contracts define scopes and service levels, identify compensation methods, and establish cost and performance benchmarks for the avoidance, collection, re-use, recycling, and/or disposal of municipal solid waste (including garbage/trash and recyclable materials). As universities seek ways to become more sustainable, some have identified resource management contracts as an area with high potential for improved environmental performance and cost savings. This thesis documents a case study at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, which explored "greener" options for resource management on campus through the contracting process. During this project, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay evaluated the current refuse and recycling removal and trash compacting services contract based on environmental and economic considerations, studied other institutions' waste management and resource management contracts and practices, issued a request for information to potential contractors, issued bid and contract documents intended to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining economic efficiency, and contracted for waste and recyclable material management services. This project faced many challenges, which are important learning opportunities for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, as well as for other universities and institutions. As other higher education institutions look for new approaches to resource management contracting, this case study will serve as a reference for analyzing resource management contracts, developing and using requests for information, drafting "greener" request for bids or request for proposals documents, and awarding and administering resource management contracts.