GREEN PURCHASING FOR TOXICS REDUCTION AT THE CITY OF PORTLANDStacey Foreman, City of Portland, Oregon

Background

Variety of City sustainability policies including: Sustainable Procurement Policy Toxics Reduction Strategy Healthy Purchasing Initiative

Linking “upstream” decisions to “downstream” effects: Human health Environmental Fiscal

Getting Green Products

Find out who makes the decision on what to buy: Employee with P-Card Project manger Specification writer (employee or contractor)

Find out how they make their decision What resources do they need to make a green

choice? Work with vendors to make green options

available, including EPR requirements Research/Provide Resources Track/Report: incorporate into procurement

processes

Provide Resources

Staff/SMEs Website Networks

Incorporate into Procurement Processes

Intake forms Prompts

(SP intake form)

(P-Card sleeve)

Reducing Toxics

Deciding What is “Less-Toxic” Multi-Attribute/LCA based third-party

certifications EPEAT EPA DfE

Precautionary Approach – alternatives assessment Ingredient & health/environmental hazard

disclosure – “Health Product Declaration” or HPD form

Hazard Avoidance/Reference Red Lists Chemical Hazard Assessment Tools

GreenScreen, Pharos

Example: Lamps (non-LED)

Potential Toxics of Concern Lead

Require RoHS compliance Require manufacturer/distributor take-back for

recycling Mercury

Require RoHS compliance Choose non-mercury options (e.g. LED

products) Choose low-mercury options (e.g. Philips Alto II

products) Require manufacturer/distributor take-back for

recycling

Example: Furniture

Potential Toxics of Concern: Phthalates

Choose non-vinyl products/components Flame Retardants

Choose options without foam padding or textiles PFCs

Choose options without textiles or without stain/water repellent treatments

Formaldehyde/VOCs Choose options that do not use formaldehyde-based

binders (also: third-party indoor-air quality certifications) Require reuse/recycling – manufacturer take

back

Example: Carpet

Potential Toxics of Concern Brominated Flame Retardants

Common only in residential carpet pads Choose flooring alternatives to carpet or no carpet pads

Phthalates/PVC Non-vinyl surface fibers and backing

Antimicrobials Choose durable flooring alternatives to carpet

PFCs/Nanos Choose durable flooring alternatives to carpet

VOCs Choose third-party certified meeting CA Section 01350

Require recycling – manufacturer take-back

Other examples - highlights

Lead-free wheel weights Beet juice as tire counterweights Integrated pest management Non-dry cleaning textiles, laundry

services Mercury-free switches on industrial

equipment EPEAT-qualified office electronics Third-party certified cleaning products,

high-efficiency cleaning practices

Lessons Learned

Learn the language and decision making processes Network, build relationships Ensure specs can be met, use RFP evaluative

criteria for cutting-edge work (or allow contractor time to meet cutting-edge requirement after contract award)

Work with vendors – utilize online & contract tools to highlight and reduce pricing on green products

Develop useful metrics Incorporate audience’s priorities into sustainability

pitch ($, image, human health, doing what is right)

Thank you!

Contact Stacey at: stacey.foreman@portlandoregon.gov

BuyGreen website: www.portlandoregon.gov/buygreen Case studies Example green specifications, evaluative

criteria