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Green purchasing includes the acquisition of recycled content products, environmentally preferable products and services, biobased products, energy- and water-efficient products, alternate fuel vehicles, products using renewable energy, and alternatives to hazardous or toxic chemicals. The White House Task Force on Waste Prevention and Recycling, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), assists Federal agencies to promote the acquisition of recycled content, environmentally preferable, and biobased products; non-ozone depleting substances; and products containing alternatives to certain priority chemicals. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and EPA assist agencies to implement the energy-related purchasing requirements, including the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fuels. The General Services Administration and the Defense Logistics Agency, as central sources of supply, are key to making the Federal green purchasing program successful.
The Federal Green Purchasing Program
Green Purchasing and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Implementation
The statutory and E.O. 13423 requirements for green purchasing apply to contracting actions under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Section 2.8(m) of the Office of Management and Budget’s original guidance on ARRA implementation provides that agencies’ Recovery Program Plans must include a discussion of how the agency will comply with energy efficiency and green building requirements and demonstrate Federal leadership in sustainability, energy efficiency and reducing the agency’s environmental impact. Section 6.1(8) of the guidance provides that contracting actions must comply with FAR Part 23, which addresses environmental and energy requirements applicable to contracting actions.
In addition, the Council on Environmental Quality’s guidance for implementing NEPA in ARRA actions provides that agencies should comply with all applicable environmental statutes and environmental requirements, such as the energy and water efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable buildings requirements of E.O. 13423 to ensure efficient development of Recovery Act projects and activities. For copies of OMB’s and CEQ’s guidance, please visit the following URLs:
The Department of Energy developed an acquisition letter to its procurement directors regarding greening considerations under contracting awards using ARRA funds for work to be performed at DOE sites. Agencies should consider developing similar guidance for their acquisition staff regarding incorporating green purchasing requirements into their ARRA-related contracting actions.
Annual Data Questionnaire
Training
Tools and Resources
Best Practices
Greening Highways and Roadways
Leasing
Weatherization
Resources and Tools
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