Your Logo or Banner Here Green Procurement Draft Template Presentation Provide Feedback on Presentation at TC2vv2ht8YAOAStWnBLcQA_3d_3d

What is Green Procurement? The selection of products and services that have a reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products and services.

Traditional factors of price, quality, functionality % of recycled material Energy efficiency – energy costs over product life Water consumption Transportation required Disposal Green Procurement Factors to Consider

Why Practice Green Procurement? Government departments posses a large buying power that can influence markets. Buying environmentally preferable products drives markets to greener alternatives by increasing their demand and lowering their costs. Buying greener sends a positive message to consumers, citizens, vendors and manufacturers.

Why Practice Green Procurement? Buying greener usually saves money in the long run (i.e. life cycle of the product). Reduces the negative impacts on the environment. Supports environmentally friendly companies. Promotes sustainable development practices.

Barriers to Green Procurement Separation of product costs from operating costs General resistance to change Lack of understanding of what makes something “green” Perception of higher price for sustainable products and support from management when procuring goods that have a higher initial cost Insufficient availability in the marketplace Unsubstantiated environmental claims New procurement policies may have to be created and developed

How to start a Green Procurement Program? Quick Win Opportunities Promote green procurement opportunities to others Where possible select products that have received 3 rd party verification (Energy Star; Eco Choice; FSC) Set minimum energy and environmental performance guidelines where applicable through procurement policy Learn from others, share your experiences with others Take slow incremental steps with your sustainable procurement plan – Rome wasn’t built in a day

One of the easiest ways to start a program is by focusing on energy efficient product alternatives. Energy efficient products will reduce both the financial and environmental costs at your department. The ENERGY STAR ® label program provides easy to use tools and up to date information on the most energy efficient products. Savings from purchasing energy- efficient products can help support green purchasing where increased costs are incurred. Energy – Efficient Purchasing

Steps to a Successful Green Procurement Plan Set up a “Green Team” in your municipality or department Learn from others experience Have your green procurement policy or practice in writing and let everyone know about it Think long term: capital cost + maintenance and operating costs + cost of disposal Talk to your suppliers and let them know about your Green Procurement Policy Keep record of your activities and purchasing changes Tell the world of your achievements and feel good about your accomplishments!

Feedback on PowerPoint Requested 1.Are there any parts that you think are unnecessary? 2.Are there any gaps that you notice? 3.Should we put more emphasis on the environmental benefits; the financial benefits; the labeling programs, the next steps? 4.What areas of weakness do you identify? 5.Any additional comments for improving it? You can provide feedback through or by ing your comments to Please provide comments by April 18 th