WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012

The purpose of the Sustainable and Green Procurement Policy is to encourage the purchase and use of goods and services that best align with the city’s fiscal, environmental, social equity, economic growth, and community enhancement goals. The policy stems from the provisions of the Mayor’s Order #2011-4: For the Establishment of a Green Government. 

This policy encourages the purchase of environmentally preferable products that reduce the overall negative impact on the environment. To this end, the policy promotes the purchasing of recycled materials and other environmentally preferable goods and services that protect human and natural resources, prevent pollution, reduce waste, conserve resources, and support environmental sustainability.

As local government employees, we are faced daily with the reality that many of the products we buy can cause damage to the environment and/or public health. By purchasing EPPs we look to reduce those impacts, some of which can be severe. 

By purchasing EPPs that are:

• Made with a percentage of post-consumer recycled content instead of pure virgin products, we reduce the need to extract raw materials, such as petroleum, trees or metals, and in general use less energy and water.
• Manufactured using fewer toxic ingredients, we minimize the hazardous impacts of those products during the manufacturing process (e.g. water/air pollution) as well as reduce the damage caused through accidental spills and improper disposal. We also reduce the risk to workers handling the products, and the risks posed to building occupants when the product is in use. 
• Energy efficient, we help to limit energy consumption, which in turn lowers our emissions of carbon dioxide (a primary greenhouse gas) and other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (which causes acid rain). 

The purchasing decisions we make effect our local environment and the health of our employees and residents as well as the global community.  

For more information contact:

Procurement Services
900 E. Broad Street, Room 1104
Richmond, VA 23219

804-646-5716