In the increasingly competitive world of higher education, maintaining cutting-edge technology is a must. Universities go to great lengths to provide the most advanced tools for their student body. However, the tech procurement efforts have been challenged recently by a worldwide effort for more eco-friendly practices. Thus, schools across the world are thinking more critically about their purchases and finding creative ways to repurpose the items that they have; these efforts are often facilitated by dedicated departments that manage the assets known as “university surplus.”

What is University Surplus?

University surplus is a term used for processing used university assets. It provides a simple way for older or lesser-used property to be reused by other departments within a university or repurposed by another entity. University Surplus items are also often sold to the general public; this practice is beneficial for a university, as it allows them to remove unwanted/used items from the campus while generating income for their department.

How Does a University Surplus Service Work?

Throughout the year, various university departments evaluate their assets and determine their value. If an item is antiquated or unwanted, a representative from that department will contact the surplus department and request an item transfer through their campus logistics platform. Next, a surplus worker will receive the request and will transfer the item to the surplus department (Note: collect a signature and print a receipt to show that the department is no longer in possession of the asset). The surplus department will evaluate the item and determine the best way to maximize the current value, with courses of action that include recycling, repurposing, selling, or discarding.

Why is University Surplus Important?

As our world continues to fight climate change and become more eco-friendly, the focus on sustainability in higher education will become more prevalent each year. Campuses that get an early start on sustainability programs stand to gain numerous benefits from their green efforts, particularly with university surplus services. Financially, it makes sense to sell antiquated, yet functional items to recoup some of the item’s original value; repurposing older equipment is also a proven cost-saving measure. More critical is the impact on the environment. Universities are our cultural thought-leaders, and their involvement in sustainability can transform this burgeoning movement into a societal norm. If you have a reputable campus logistics platform in place already, chances are it’s relatively simple to configure your system to track and manage your university surplus items.

Do you want to see how Intra can help you track and manage your university surplus? Let us know in the comments section below or by visiting the contact page of our website.