This new case study highlights how EPEAT® registered technology purchases supported carbon neutrality, reduced emissions, and strengthened circular procurement practices.
As higher education institutions work to meet ambitious climate commitments, Loyola University Chicago is demonstrating how sustainable procurement can become a measurable driver of environmental progress.
A new case study from the Global Electronics Council examines how Loyola integrated sustainability standards into its purchasing strategy to advance its carbon neutrality goals while improving operational efficiency and reducing lifecycle environmental impacts.
Over a three-year period from 2022 to 2024, Loyola procured nearly 5,900 EPEAT registered products across computers, monitors, printers, scanners, and servers. These purchases contributed to approximately 1.5 million kg CO2-equivalent emissions reductions and more than 5.3 million kWh in energy savings, supporting the university’s broader sustainability commitments.
As the first university in the Chicago area to achieve carbon neutrality, Loyola has embedded sustainability into procurement policies, supplier engagement, and campus operations. The case study outlines how collaboration between procurement, information technology, and sustainability teams enabled the university to align day-to-day purchasing decisions with institutional climate goals.
“Loyola University Chicago is deeply committed to sustainability, and integrating EPEAT into our procurement strategy has been instrumental in ensuring our electronics purchasing aligns with those core values. We are proud to share our journey and the tangible environmental impact of prioritizing sustainable technology in this case study,” Aaron Durnbaugh, Sustainability Director, Loyola University Chicago.
The case study also highlights Loyola’s focus on circularity and responsible lifecycle management. By prioritizing EPEAT Gold and Silver registered products, the university supports longer-lasting, more repairable technology while reducing waste and strengthening supply chain transparency.
Loyola’s approach demonstrates how mission-driven institutions can transform procurement into a strategic climate action tool while generating measurable environmental and economic benefits.
Read the full case study:
Loyola University Chicago Case Study
About the Global Electronics Council
The Global Electronics Council (GEC) envisions a world with only sustainable electronic technology that enhances the well-being of people and planet. Our mission is to accelerate the transformation of markets toward prioritizing the most sustainable electronic products and services.
As stewards of the EPEAT ecolabel, we set global standards for electronics that empower brands, their value chains and their buyers to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. Through our thought leadership, advocacy, and EPEAT ecolabel, GEC is helping to reshape the electronics industry into a driving force for environmental preservation and global well-being.
Our EPEAT Ecolabel
EPEAT is a leading global ecolabel that enables manufacturers to follow strict third-party verified standards while providing transparency for buyers.
Since its launch in 2006, procurement professionals have reported purchases of more than 3.2 billion EPEAT products, generating cost savings exceeding $39 billion USD and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 370 million metric tonnes.
Erik Fessler
Senior Manager, Global Communications
Global Electronics Council
Direct Line: +1 (971) 380-4088
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