DEVELOPING GREEN

    PURCHASING POLICIES AND

    PROCEDURES

    Gina E. Webber, C.P.M.

    Arizona State University

WHAT A GREEN POLICY SHOULD DO

    •Minimize the consumption of non-replaceable natural

    resources

    •Seek alternatives to products and processes which are

    detrimental to the environment

    •Minimize waste, including: packaging, waste

    produced by the product (or service), and waste

    generated by the eventual disposal of the product•Maximize the reuse and recycling of materials

    •Stimulate demand for “environmentally friendly”

    products by letting manufacturers and suppliers know

    the environmental performance we expect in

    products

    •Be an integral part of your university’s Sustainability

    plan

    •Focus on areas of immediate impact, but also include

    areas that can grow and provide long term results

•Make your suppliers understand that this is not a

passing fancy but a major university initiative that is

here to stay

    THE PROCESS

    •Establish a timetable for research on how other

    universities, cities and government agencies meet

    their sustainability challenges

    •Decide on who will do the research, compile the

    information on best practices, and present you with a

    wide variety of relevant information you can use to

    write your Green Policies and Procedures

    •Break down the information into environmental

    categories and decide which areas to focus on

    that would give you immediate results and long

    term changes; and would be acceptable to your

    University Administration

    •Formulate impact statements (i.e. none, minimal

    or substantial) for each and every policy and

    procedure you are considering

    •Have the draft policy vetted by various

    departments, including the President’s office,

    General Counsel, Facilities Management, and any

    other critical department

    •Consider all comments and questions and make

    changes as needed

    •Publish your policy and market, market, market –

    student newspapers, faculty and staff

    publications, e-mail blasts, newsletters, etc...

    •Include in your solicitations and renewal contracts

    your “Green Profile Questionnaire” that all

    potential suppliers must complete and include

    with their responses to the solicitation or renewal •Follow-up with your Purchasing folks for feedback

    from the campus community

    •Continually review policies and procedures with

    other operational areas for additions and changes

    to the policy

    •Develop methods to track compliance with the

    policies

    •Enjoy the ride, you personally can make a

    difference by being committed to the stewardship

    of our environment