Greening Government Procurement
Executive Order (EO) 13423 (PDF) (7 pp, 196 K, About PDF) Section 2(d) and EO 13514 (PDF) (13 pp, 204 K) Section 2(h) support the agency acquisition of goods and services through the use of sustainable environmental practices, including acquisition of products that are:
- biobased
- environmentally preferable
- energy-efficient
- water-efficient
- recycled-content
EO 13514 further mandates that 95 percent of new contract actions, including task and delivery orders, for products and services with the exception of acquisition of weapon systems, meet the requirement for use of sustainable environmental practices. EO 13514 also includes products which are non-ozone depleting or are non-toxic or less toxic alternatives where such products and services meet agency performance requirements.
Both EOs also specifically require that agencies acquire paper of at least 30 percent post-consumer fiber content. EO 13514 (PDF) (13 pp, 204 K) further stipulates that uncoated printing and writing paper be used. EO 13514 specifically requires that there be procurement preference for EPEAT-registered electronic products and that, for electronic equipment, Energy Star and FEMP designated electronic equipment be procured.
Together, the EOs require that EPA reduce or eliminate its acquisition and use of toxic chemicals, and, in keeping with the agency's procurement policies, instead use acceptable alternative chemicals and processes.
- Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program (EPP) - EPP is about incorporating key environmental factors with traditional price and performance considerations in purchasing decisions.
- Tips for Buying "Green" with the Government Credit Card - Tips to help government credit card holders make "greener" choices when buying products, especially office supplies.