GREEN PROCUREMENT POLICY GUIDANCE

Transcription

1 GREEN PROCUREMENT POLICY GUIDANCE Paper Forest destruction and loss of biodiversity Energy and water consumption during production Emissions to air and water during pulp and paper production Chemical consumption and potential environmental contamination during production Waste generation during production Paper to be based on recycled paper or paper based on sustainably harvested virgin fibre Procurement of paper that is produced through a process of low energy consumption and emissions Avoidance of bleaching used in production 100% recycled and eco-certified The paper must be at least Elementary Chlorine Free (ECF) and/or Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) Cleaning Products Some cleaning products may pollute streams and rivers and may take a long time to degrade into harmless products. Some may not break down at all and may remain in the environment. Some chemicals may enter the food chain of creatures and even the human food chain. When consumed or absorbed through the skin some chemicals can be harmful and toxic. Further impacts can be made upon Climate change Human health Eutrophication Water consumption Waste generation Page 1 of 6

2 Use cleaning products that are effective at lower temperatures Avoid certain hazardous substances in the product Avoid phosphorus and limit biocides in the product Follow the recommended dosages Decrease the use of products through reviewing cleaning plans and techniques Improve the training of cleaning staff Decrease the quantity of packaging used Ensure the packaging used is made from recycled materials and can be recycled Use products made in the UK No sprays containing propellants to be used. Products packaged as trigger sprays to be used as refills sold as part of a refillable No substances in the product should be identified as substances of very high concern, such as "Volatile Organic Compounds" which are the worst environmental hazards in household cleaners Office equipment High energy consumption and resulting Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions Air, soil and water pollution, ozone formation (smog), effects on aquatic organisms due to hazardous component e.g. mercury content of LCD displays and flame retardants Negative impact on the health of employees due to noise and heat Use of energy, resources and harmful emissions related to the production of IT equipment such as the abstraction of raw materials and the manufacture of components Generation of waste material including packaging and the final disposal Purchase energy efficient models Purchase products with a restricted amount of hazardous materials and look at take back options Purchase products with a restricted noise level Use products design for recycling, that have a longer life and have take back options Ensure the packaging used can be recycled Correct disposal of any waste products, such as re-using or recycling Purchase of any equipment with low environmental impacts throughout its lifecycle Page 2 of 6

3 Lighting High energy consumption, in all phases, but especially when using indoor lighting Potential pollution of air, land and water during the production phase Use of materials and hazardous materials Generation of waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) Purchase replacement lamps that have low energy usage Use lighting controls to further reduce energy consumption At installation stage, ensure system works as intended, in an energy efficient way Promote lamps with a lower mercury content Recycle appropriately all waste products Transport Contribution to climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases Depletion of resources (especially non renewable fuels) - Air pollution through the emission of other exhaust gases Noise pollution Generation of waste including oils and tyres Generation of waste parts and materials at end the of the vehicle life Procurement of low emission vehicles (GHG, other exhaust gases and noise) Ensure reduce fuel consumption through eco-driving or tyre pressure monitoring systems Procurement of environmentally friendly tyres and regenerated lubricant oils Ensure the correct collection and management of used lubricant oils and tyres Encourage vehicles made with recycled/bio-materials Purchase or lease of low-emission vehicles Page 3 of 6

4 Furniture Loss of biodiversity, soil erosion and degradation as a result of unsustainable forest management and illegal logging Landscape impact from mining activities Depletion of resources due to the use of non-renewable resources such as metals and oil/natural gas for plastics CO² and other emissions as a result of energy consumption in the production of several materials Eutrophication of surface and ground waters as a result of the use of hazardous substances that can be released during production, use or disposal Volatile Organic Compounds emissions as a result of the use of organic solvents Waste and packaging waste due to packaging and early replacement of furniture due to a lack of reparability options, low durability, ergonomics or furniture not fit for purpose Procure timber from legal and sustainably managed forests Use materials made partly or totally from recycled materials and/or renewable materials Avoid as much as possible hazardous substances in materials production and surface treatment Ensure the materials and furniture packaging can be separated and recycled or the packaging materials are based on renewable raw materials Procure fit for use, repairable and recyclable furniture Purchase of furniture produced with environmentally friendly materials and processes Electricity The generation of electricity from fossil fuels is responsible for a substantial proportion of greenhouse gas and other emissions The growing electricity demand combined with the depletion of non renewable sources Increase the share of electricity from renewable energy sources or biomass Page 4 of 6

5 Food and catering services Impacts on human health and the environment due to pesticides and fertilisers residues present in water, air, soil and food Soil erosion, forest destruction and loss of biodiversity caused by some agricultural practices, overintensive animal production and intense fishing and aquaculture practices Animal cruelty due to a lack of respect for animal welfare High energy and water consumption in food production and processing High water and energy consumption of kitchen appliances Increased CO2 emission as a result of modes of transport used to carry out the catering services Procurement of organic food or purchase of food coming at least partially from organic sources Procurement of sustainably-produced or caught aquaculture and marine products Procurement of livestock products with high welfare standards Procurement of seasonal products Procurement in bulk or in packaging that has a high recycled content Use of reusable cutlery, crockery, glassware and tablecloths Use of environmentally friendly paper products Full waste collection of food stuffs with staff training Minimize of the use of hazardous chemicals and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning and dishwashing products Procurement of water and energy efficient kitchen appliances Procurement of locally produced products or UK made Gardening Services Soil and water pollution and even toxic effects on the environment due to the inappropriate use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers Overuse of effectively non-renewable resources such as peat in soil improvers High water consumption High organic waste generation High packaging waste generation Avoid the use of peat as a soil improver Limit plant pesticides and use alternative pest control techniques Use (whenever possible) locally collected water (water butts) with efficient irrigation Use different measures to reduce water demand such as mulching Procure organically produced and native plants Ensure appropriate materials are composting Procure products in recycled, compostable, reusable, recyclable or biodegradable packaging Act on invasive plants and animals Page 5 of 6

6 Textiles (clothing, woven materials, bags, rucksacks, school ties, carpets, curtains etc) Negative impact upon the worker manufacturing the clothing due to condition of working environment and the substances used in production, this can also impact upon the user Air pollution Exposure and dangerous effects on food chains and aquatic organisms due to certain pesticides and fertilisers used in the production of the textiles. Need to replace too frequently the textiles due to its failure of quality. This would result in more materials, energy and water being required plus added negative environmental impacts Purchase organic materials Purchase materials and textiles which are used or can be reused Purchase textiles that contain recycled fibres Purchase textiles with a reduced use of environmentally harmful substances in production Purchase textiles which have a reduced impact upon workers and the user (with better working conditions including materials with lower residues of substances harmful to human health) The best approach to reducing the environmental impacts of textiles is to use recycled fibres, re-use the textiles or use organic production methods. Organically produced cotton or other natural fibres showing the EU organic logo or the international gold standard for organic textiles ( Recycled fibres. Reuse materials purchased (hand on or sell on school uniforms, ties, bags etc) Page 6 of 6