CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - ODP Business Solutions, a leading B2B supplier of workplace and technology solutions, has recognized the University of Northern Iowa for making eco-conscious purchasing decisions. UNI is the only 2023 higher education award recipient for Leadership in Greener Purchasing out of all ODP Business Solutions’ higher education clients nationwide.

Office Depot, a wholly owned subsidiary of ODP, is UNI’s contracted vendor for office supplies for six years and counting. In 2022, 62% of UNI’s purchases from Office Depot were green purchases, including products made from recycled materials, possessing energy efficiency and having a reduced use of harsh chemicals. Many of these purchases were also products with ecolabels such as GREENGUARD Certification, Green Seal®, ECOLOGO® and others.

“UNI is committed to minimizing our ecological footprint,” said Jon Westhoff, procurement manager at UNI. “This award shows that our efforts go above and beyond, and we are proud to be recognized this way.”

Paper and ink/toner make up the majority of the University of Northern Iowa’s green purchases.

"We recognize and appreciate customers who make eco-conscious purchases and celebrate their contribution towards helping to safeguard our planet,” said David Centrella, president of ODP Business Solutions. “We encourage them to continue making more sustainable choices in the future.”

In addition to its own sustainable, green purchasing, UNI’s Iowa Waste Reduction Center works with businesses, communities and industries across the state of Iowa to encourage similar purchasing practices and other sustainability endeavors. This includes free energy assessments to help Iowa small businesses identify areas to reduce their environmental impact and Iowa Green Brewery Certification program.