Module 2: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
Options for Action: The Purchasing Process
Making the purchase
Once the item/service
being purchased has been identified in the purchase specification, a
purchasing manager must identify from whom to purchase the item/service.
Purchases can be made between individuals, organizations, or combinations of
these.
An appropriate rate of exchange is set and negotiated. The rate is executed
through a direct purchase or is documented more formally through a negotiated
agreement or contract.
Finally, an exchange of resources occurs. Typically a fee is set and paid with
a purchase order, on credit, with currency, or through electronic means. Other
payment methods, such as bartering, are less common, but do still occur.
Top
Ten green-purchasing actions you can implement immediately:
- Review purchase specifications
and contracts to determine if they contain environmental performance
standards or requirements.
- Ask your existing suppliers
about environmentally friendly alternatives and give them a try.
- Consider how to make your
product or service “green” and what you’ll need to purchase differently
to make it happen.
- Choose a suitable green products
listing and use it when making purchases.
- Purchase and install
energy-efficient lighting for your buildings.
- Determine who supplies your
energy and consider changing to renewable energy sources, and ask your
energy supplier about renewable commercial tariffs.
- Request vendors to provide
supplies in reusable packaging that can be used for your products or
returned to the supplier.
- Purchase appropriately sized
lots to minimize waste. Purchase in bulk where feasible, but buy in
small quantities for short-shelf-life or dated materials.
- Change your office purchasing
policies: buy recycled office consumable products, Energy Star–certified
office equipment, and reusable utensils, plates, and cups for meetings.
- Buy and use less toxic cleaners,
or hire those who do.
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