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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
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: [email protected]
BuyGreen website: www.portlandoregon.gov/buygreen Case studies Example green specifications, evaluative
criteria