Procurement Tip

Green Procurement

Green procurement has undoubtedly moved from being a "nice to have" to a "need to have". While the politicians are debating far more complex green strategies related to initiatives like the Kyoto Accord, we can all make a difference "at home" - in our own offices.

The procurement tip for this month comes from an initiative of the Alliance for Environmental Innovation (US) to guide office practices in a greener direction.

The tips outlined below can be undertaken in any office by an office manager or the organizations procurement officer. Take a look and see how easy it is to make a significant step in the green direction for your organization.

OFFICE SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT TIPS

• Compile a master list of all supplies and equipment used by your organization, and identify environmentally preferred options as well as suppliers for each. Select equipment that has minimal emissions and energy use during operation and is low-maintenance.
  
• Purchase or lease copiers and printers that have two-sided printing capability and the ability to set this as the default mode.
  
• Purchase or lease copiers and printers that work with a broad range of plain office papers; avoid "finicky" machine models that limit your paper choices and require frequent maintenance.
  Purchase or lease copiers and printers that offer recycled toner cartridges and provide for recycling of spent cartridges.

The Alliance for Environmental Innovation was established by Environmental Defense and the Pew Charitable Trusts in 1994 to develop strategies for a variety of industries to reduce waste and encourage recycling. Environmental Defense is a leading American nonprofit organization that links science, economics and law to create innovative, equitable and cost-effective solutions to society's most urgent environmental problems. Check out other initiatives at: http://www.environmentaldefense.org/aboutus.cfm?subnav=aboutus