Module 2: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
- Overview
- Reasons for Changing to EPP
- Getting Started
- Options for Action
- Advancing your program
- Resources
Links for Green Procurement
General Resources
Environmentally
Preferable Purchasing
Abstract: Assists counties in locating and selecting products
that encourage environmental conservation.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
URL: www.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/
Green Purchasing
Resources for Businesses
Abstract: This Web site offers a quick reference to Web-based
information on purchasing green products and services. It is intended for
businesses interested in reducing the environmental impact of their operations
and for reducing the health and safety risks of their staff and clients. By
using this site, businesses will be able to identify vendors that sell green
products and services throughout the Northeast, steps to developing a
green-purchasing program and purchasing self-assessment tools, tools for
quantifying the impact of a green-purchasing program. and other related
resources.
Source: Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.
URL: www.nerc.org/GreenPurchasing/greenpurchasingresources.html
Institutional
Purchasing Program
Abstract: The Institutional Purchasing Program Web site is a
comprehensive source of information on EPP. It provides recommendations and
tools for launching or revitalizing an environmental-purchasing program. The
site includes an extensive list of institutional-purchasing policies and activities
organized by institution, type, product categories, and environmental
attributes. It also provides commodity-specific recommendations for products
and services, including cleaning products, paper, computers, renewable energy,
integrated pest management, and others.
Source: Center for a New American Dream
URL: www.newdream.org/procure/
Environment Canada Green Office
Abstract: A “how-to” for building green offices.
Source: Environment Canada
URL: http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/udo/office/chap9.html
Tools
Fact Sheet/Checklist
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Workgroup
Abstract: An EPP workgroup within the National Pollution
Prevention Roundtable (NPPR), the largest membership organization dedicated to
pollution prevention.
Source: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
URL: www.p2.org/workgroup/epp/
Sorting Out ‘Green’ Advertising Claims [PDF]
Abstract: A four-page consumer-education bulletin that helps
buyers find facts among the fluff.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
URL: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/general/sortgrn.pdf
Manual/Handbook/Curriculum
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide
Abstract: This guide is a reference tool for government and
school purchasers who want to buy more wisely. Identifying examples in over 30
product areas, the guide will help you find ways to reduce workplace hazards,
consume less energy, and protect natural resources. In each category, the guide
surveys the latest field information and provides details on cost, performance,
and vendors. And with extensive up-to-date lists of resources and contacts,
additional help is readily available.
Source: Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (Minnesota)
URL: http://greenguardian.com/EPPG/default.asp
EPP General Training Tool
Abstract: This tool covers basic EPP principles, along with
some more in-depth applications of EPP.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
URL: http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/tools/gentt/textver/index.html
Private Sector Pioneers: How Companies Are Incorporating Environmentally
Preferable Purchasing [PDF]
Abstract: A 44-page manual of case studies from the private sector notes differences
from the public sector and provides insight into incentives for participating
and how to develop an EPP program.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
URL: www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/pubs/privsect.pdf
Promoting Green Purchasing: Tools and Resources to Quantify the Benefits of
Enviornmentally Preferable Purchasing [PDF]
Abstract: This brief guide identifies a series of existing
tools and resources that can be used to help develop quantitative estimates of
the projected benefits of making new EPP choices and to document the estimated
benefits of past EPP actions. The tools and other resources summarized here are
the most useful ones EPA found that are currently available. They tend to focus
on environmental benefits, although some address other areas such as cost
savings. Some of the resources are calculators, where users can enter set
inputs and obtain outputs estimating impacts in their situation. Other
resources are guides, collections of policies, lists of products, data collection
and tracking instruments, and others.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
URL: www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/tools/epp_metrics.pdf
Software/Electronic Tools
EPP Assistant
Abstract: A free tool organizations can use for setting
priorities for environmental purchasing that uses life-cycle-assessment
methodologies to identify and analyze environmental impacts of products from
the cradle to the grave. The EPP Assistant provides organizations with a method
to prioritize purchases by commodity type and environmental impact.
Source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
URL: www.earthster.org/about_earthster/phases/phase_i
Fleet Processing Tool
Abstract: This tool allows fleet managers to compare and
calculate the anticipated emissions and annual fuel costs for a wide variety of
commercial passenger vehicles specific to driving cycles in an accurate and
efficient manner. When building fleets, managers can compare and calculate
potential advantages of E-85, B-20 biodiesel, and Hybrid Electric to help make
more educated fleet-purchasing decisions.
Source: NextEnergy
URL: http://www.nextenergy.org/nefpt/
Green Building Professionals
Abstract: A searchable database of green-building
professionals.
Source: City of Austin—Green Building Program
URL: www.greenbuilder.com/
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Abstract: Self-assessing system designed for rating new and
existing buildings.
Source: U.S. Green Building Council
URL: www.usgbc.org/LEED/LEED_main.asp
Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) Environmentally Preferable Products
Procurement Listserv (EPPNET)
Abstract: An electronic listserve for procurement professionals.
Source: Northeast Recycling Council
URL: www.nerc.org/eppnet.html
Power Profiler
Abstract: After users enter a zip code, EPA’s Power Profiler
determines (1) how the air emissions impacts and fuel mix of the electricity
they use compare to the national average, and (2) the specific air emissions
impacts associated with your home or business’s electricity use.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
URL: www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/powpro/screen1.html
Other Resources
Products
Chlorine Free Products
Abstract: Chlorine Free Products Association (CFPA) is an
independent not-for-profit accreditation and standard-setting organization that
certifies chlorine-free products.
Source: Chlorine Free Products Association (CFPA)
URL: http://www.chlorinefreeproducts.org/about.htm
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Purchasing & Procurement Language
Abstract: Sample procurement language (specifications) for
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S.
Department of Energy
URL: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_proc_cfls
ConservaTree Web
Abstract: Cutting-edge information on recycled, chlorine-free,
tree-free paper.
Source: The NEW ConservaTree
URL: www.conservatree.com/
EPEAT
Abstract: A procurement tool to help institutional purchasers
in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare, and select desktop
computers, notebooks, and monitors based on their environmental attributes.
EPEAT also provides a clear and consistent set of performance criteria for the
design of products, and provides an opportunity for manufacturers to secure
market recognition for efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its
products.
Source: Green Electronics Council
URL: www.epeat.net/
SCS Certified Products
Abstract: SCS is a neutral third-party testing and certification organization that
evaluates a wide variety of food safety and environmental claims.
Source: Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)
URL: www.scscertified.com/products/
Buy Green
Abstract: Provides links to a product database and regional
buying activities.
Source: GSA—Federal Supply Service
URL: www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentType=GSA_OVERVIEW&contentId=9845
Buy Recycled Business Alliance
Abstract: A group of organizations committed to increasing the
procurement of recycled-content products.
Source: National Recycling Coalition
URL: www.nrc-recycle.org
Buyers Guide to Recycled Products
Abstract: Provides lists of products and where you can
purchase them.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
URL: www.dep.state.pa.us/wm_apps/recycledproducts/
Canadian Environmental Choice Program
Abstract: Helps consumers identify products and services that
are less harmful to the environment.
Source: Environment Canada
URL: www.environmentalchoice.com/
Certified Office
Products Database
Abstract: The Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s
Certified Office Products Database is intended for use by interested
individuals, nongovernmental organizations, procurement officers, and operators
of ecolabeling programs. It covers fifteen common office/home products, and
includes criteria from nine certification programs. Over 100 product brands are
represented, covering well over 2,000 models. In some cases, the ecolabeling
programs address a single attribute, such as energy efficiency, while others
include criteria relating to the full life-cycle of the product, from
production to disposal.
Source: Commission for Environmental Cooperation
URL: www.cec.org/databases/certifications/Cecdata/index.cfm?websiteID=1
Eco-Office
Abstract: A site for recycled office products and services.
Source: Eco-Office
URL: www.eco-office.com/
Green Pages—Online
Abstract: A directory of environmentally responsible businesses,
products, and services
Source: Co-Op America
URL: http://www.greenpages.org/
H2E Products and
Services Directory
Abstract: The H2E Products and Services Directory provides a
list of businesses that supply products and services consistent with H2E’s
mission and the broad environmental goals of mercury elimination, waste
reduction, and toxics minimization.
Source: Hospitals for a Healthy Environment
URL: www.h2e-online.org/directory/index.htm
Recycled-Content
Product Database
Abstract: A database of green-product manufacturers.
Source: California Integrated Waste Management Board
URL: www.ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP/
Global Recycling
Network
Abstract: Provides information related to recycling.
Source: Global Recycling Network
URL: www.grn.com/
SmartWood
Abstract: The SmartWood Program awards its seal of approval to
responsible forest managers.
Source: SmartWood
URL: http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/forestry/smartwood/
Purchasing
Green Purchasing on
the Net
Abstract: An online newsletter dealing with all aspects of
green purchasing.
Source: Northeast Recycling Council
URL: www.nerc.org/gpn/gpn990604.html
Greener Procurement
Abstract: Information for purchasing green products.
Source: Environment Canada
URL: www.greeninggovernment.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=256986C5-1
Green-e—Renewable
Electricity Program
Abstract: Helps you make informed choices about buying green
electricity.
Source: Center for Resource Solutions
URL: green-e.org
Part 260 - Guides for
the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims
Abstract: FTC regulations include general principles and FTC
interpretation about how to substantiate environmental marketing claims.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
URL: www.ftc.gov/bcp/grnrule/guides980427.htm
Residential Lighting Procurement Language
Abstract: Residential lighting procurement language for
contracts provided by the EPA and DOE’s Energy Star program.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S.
Department of Energy
URL: www.energystar.gov/ia/products/lighting/res_lighting_procure.doc
Action Guide to Greener Paper
Abstract: This guide includes 22 purchasing recommendations
and practical options.
Source: Environmental Defense Fund
URL: www.environmentaldefense.org/alliance/greenerpaper.html
City of Santa Monica—Purchasing
Abstract: Santa Monica’s informal procurement policy.
Source: City of Santa Monica, California
URL: http://www.santa-monica.org/epd/
Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines
Abstract: Promotes the use of materials recovered from solid
waste.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
URL: www.epa.gov/cpg/
Energy Ideas
Abstract: Provides access to objective information and
technical assistance for energy efficiency.
Source: Energy Ideas Clearinghouse
URL: www.energyideas.org/
Guide to Green
Purchasing
Abstract: A guide for establishing and implementing an EPP
program.
Source: U.S. Air Force
URL: www.afcee.brooks.af.mil/eq/ap/gg/guide.doc
King County
Environmental Purchasing Program
Abstract: Details about King County’s environmental-purchasing
program.
Source: King County Environmental Purchasing Program
URL: www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/
Massachusetts Environmentally Preferable Products Procurement Program
Abstract: Information about a program to buy less-toxic
cleaners.
Source: State of Massachusetts, Operational Services Division
URL: www.mass.gov/epp/products/cleaning.htm
National Association of Purchasing Management
Abstract: A trade-association Web site to educate purchasing
professionals.
Source: National Association of Purchasing Management
URL: www.napm.org/
State Procurement
Abstract: An example of the features in a state purchasing
program
Source: Washington State Department of General Administration
URL: www.ga.wa.gov/purchase/
Sustainable
Development on Campus
Abstract: Tools for sustainable development at learning
institutions.
Source: International Institute for Sustainable Development
URL: www.iisd.org/educate/
Article/report
Green Procurement
Abstract: A set of articles about purchasing decisions and products that prevent
pollution
Source: Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center
URL: http://pprc.org/pubs/newsletter/news1199.html
Promoting Green Purchasing in North America [PDF]
Abstract: This implementation plan aims to provide tools
and information to encourage institutions—including governments at all levels,
universities, hospitals, and private companies—to increase their purchases of
green cleaning products, green office supplies and equipment, and green
electricity.
Source: Commission for Environmental Cooperation
URL: www.cec.org/files/pdf/ECONOMY/NAGPI_plan_en.pdf
WasteWise Update: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing [PDF]
Abstract: Sixteen pages identify the benefits of EPP,
describes how to establish and maintain an EPP program, and provides EPP examples.
Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency
URL: www.epa.gov/wastewise/pubs/wwupda15.pdf
Examples
Environmentally
Preferable Purchasing [PDF]
Abstract: 18 slides developed to introduce EPP.
Source: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
URL: www.p2.org/workgroup/epp/EPP2.pdf
enCompass [PDF]
Abstract: Examples of schools that have used recycled-content
building materials.
Source: King County
URL: www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/business/documents/RWvol26.pdf
Greening Federal
Facilities
Abstract: Information to make the federal government operate
more efficiently.
Source: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
URL: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/
Organizations
Green Seal
Abstract: GreenSeal promotes the manufacture and sale of environmentally
responsible consumer products.
Source: Green Seal
URL: www.greenseal.org
LEED
Abstract: The United States Green Building Council developed a
market transformation for higher-performance buildings, called the Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED is the nationally accepted
benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green
buildings. It gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have
an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED
promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance
in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site
development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor
environmental quality.
Source: United States Green Building Council
URL: www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222&
Building
Green Building Resource Center
Abstract: A Web site that includes more than 600
green-building resources.
Source: Green Building Resource Center
URL: www.greendesign.net
Sustainable Building Sourcebook
Abstract: Information to foster environmentally responsible
practices in home-building.
Source: City of Austin, Green Building Program
URL: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/contents.html
Environmental Building News
Abstract: A collection of land-use, building design, and
construction strategies that reduce environmental impacts.
Source: Environmental Building News
URL: www.buildinggreen.com/