Green Purchasing Tag

August 2, 2023 In Guides and Reports

Green Public Procurement Guide: Maximizing Environmental Health

Introduction

Green procurement is about minimizing the negative environmental and health impacts associated with purchases made by public bodies. It is about buying products and services that are more energy efficient, less toxic, and create less waste and overall life-cycle costs. Buying ‘greener’ products and services helps minimize the environmental impact of public bodies’ procurement activities, and in many cases provides better value. Comparing products and services may consider elements such as the use of raw materials, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, and the disposal process and requirements. READ MORE

February 6, 2010 In Ethical Supply Chain Management, Program Innovations, Reeve News

City of Edmonton Council Unanimously Accepts Reeve Developed Sustainable Purchasing Policy

Flickr / Stella Blu

Edmonton has now joined the ranks of other progressive Canadian municipalities that attempt to eliminate sweatshop labour in their supply chain. The new Sustainable Purchasing Policy (SPP) encourages City staff and suppliers to look at ways to reduce environmental and social impact by purchasing sustainable products and services.

In consultation with City of Edmonton staff, Reeve Consulting developed a policy that provides formal direction to continue excellent efforts around “green” purchasing and now compliments this with emphasis on the social side of the equation. To assist with policy implementation, Reeve designed a complete package for the City that includes the procedures and tools to effect significant change with a focus on rewarding suppliers who demonstrate leadership.

Last year, the City spent approximately $1.5 billion on construction, products and services. Using the Reeve developed tools, the City will initially focus on incorporating sustainable purchasing practices in ten product categories. Over time, sustainable purchasing criteria will be incorporated into all product categories.

Reeve Consulting is thrilled by Council’s unanimous support of the SPP and thoroughly enjoyed working with City staff who are so energized and enthused about making Edmonton’s supply chain sustainable.