Benefits

The benefits of environmentally preferable purchasing are spelled out in detail in the success stories of DOE sites that have switched to more environmental products.

The general benefits to be expected are:

Energy Security Benefits

• Reduce U.S. reliance on imported petroleum by purchasing energy/fuel efficient products, products whose manufacture uses less energy (recycled content), and products with low-to-no petroleum basis (made from readily renewable resources such as biobased materials)



• Increase the economics of biorefineries by co-producing valuable biobased products along with biobased fuel

Environmental/Health Benefits

• Establish healthier environment for staff (by eliminating products that off gas, such as cleaning products, flooring, paint)



• Reduce hazardous materials on site



• Reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide that causes global climate change

Economic Benefits

• Often reduce initial purchasing cost (recycled paint, remanufactured toner cartridges, retread tires, etc.)



• Reduce disposal and cleanup costs



• Improve economics of U.S. agricultural production (biobased products)



• Stimulate economic development in rural areas (wind farm power, biomass production)