Electronics and the Environment: Massachusetts Green Procurement Efforts Eric Friedman Director of State Sustainability MA Executive Office of Environmental Affairs EPEAT Workshop June 17, 2003

Talking Points The Massachusetts Green Purchasing Program Environmental Computer Contract Experience Purchasing Needs Alternative Procurement Tools Assessment Tool Needs

The Green Purchasing Program The Operational Services Division establishes Statewide contracts for goods and services for use by agencies and political subdivisions Oversees annual purchases of $300 million 2 full-time dedicated environmental staff Incorporate environmental criteria into bid specifications Initial focus on recycled products Program moved to consider other environmental criteria such as energy efficiency, toxics, waste prevention, etc.

Why Government Purchasing? Federal, state, local governments make up 20% of U.S. GNP Single point of procurement Affect markets on larger scale Larger environmental impact Use as broader educational tool Lead by example Other Locales King County Santa Monica Minnesota Vermont Connecticut Pennsylvania Seattle Feds

Computer Env. Considerations Part of existing program to consider EPPs Computers a growing problem for solid waste and hazardous materials management Costly to dispose of Minimize liability and responsibility Mass. CRT waste ban Others looking to state leadership

The Computer Contract contract written 1999/up for rebid 2003 require energy star compliance multiple desirable criteria including: reduced toxic materials (cadmium, mercury, chlorinated solvents, CFCs and HCFCs, etc.) take-back program design for recycling and/or upgradability recycled content in plastic housing or other parts recycled content in CRT glass recycled and/or source reduced packaging other broad-based environmental initiatives

Computer Evaluation Criteria 100 points for environmental responses approximately 15% of total points Toxic Constituents Recycled Content Take Back Provisions Packaging Upgradability Design for Recycling Worker Health & Safety 3rd Party Certification Other Environmental Issues

Lessons Learned Re-sellers did not take specs seriously and did not contact OEMs OEMs are working on issues but not equally Varying levels of detail provided in responses There are some models which meet some of the criteria Need to do more outreach to OEMs about concerns Difficult to influence global market from one state bid

Purchasing Issues Meet the needs of varied and demanding users Encompass numerous issues Cost Performance Training Delivery Write contracts quickly Not environmental experts nor is environment necessarily a priority

Alternative Procurement Tools 1.Flexible criteria with points system e.g. LEED building rating system from USGBC 2.Third party standards e.g. GreenSeal cleaners

Procurement Tools-Advantages GreenSeal Standards List of mandatory criteria – pass/fail Standards developed by 3 rd party certifier with no stake in outcome Back-up documentation Certification offered to simplify approval process Becoming more widely accepted LEED Rating System Flexible with some mandatory criteria Points allocated in varied categories Varying levels of designation (platinum, gold, silver, regular) Coordinated by national organization Widely accepted

Procurement Assessment Tool Needs Create one set of information across jurisdictions Establish simple, straightforward guidelines and/or minimum criteria Justify established priorities Keep it simple for users and industry Create wide availability of product Eliminate complicated evaluation processes Developed by respected organization or coalition