Sustainable Purchasing
In accordance with 2007 City Council Resolution #20519, OEP developed the Sustainable Purchasing Policy (SPP) to promote purchasing products and services that have a reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to competing products or services that serve the same purpose, while remaining fiscally responsible. Through these actions, the City moves closer to meeting its 2050 Sustainability Goals, while also supporting a city-wide culture of sustainability.
View the current Sustainable Purchasing Policy
What is a Sustainable Purchasing Policy?
The EPA defines environmental or sustainable purchasing as procurement actions, which ensure that environmental considerations are included in purchasing decisions, along with traditional factors, such as product price and performance.
A SPP is a legal document that shows a government or business is committed to the procurement of environmentally preferable and sustainable products and services. A policy will clearly articulate methods and procedures by which all employees, contractors, and vendors are expected to adhere to. Additionally, such a policy will establish and assign responsibility for the management of the policy and program.
Why is a Sustainable Purchasing Policy important?
As one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, Phoenix's demand for resources, such as water and energy, is expected to grow considerably in the years to come. A sustainable purchasing policy addresses these concerns through the procurement of more sustainable products that have a reduced impact on the environment and are either made from recycled products or can easily be recycled at the end of the useful life.
What products does the Sustainable Purchasing Policy apply to?
The policy applies to all commodity, nonprofessional, and capital improvement project purchasing made by any City department. All city departments are responsible for evaluating the potential for sustainable purchasing attributes of these products and services. Such attributes include reduced toxicity and hazards, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and others which can be found in the City of Phoenix Sustainable Purchasing Policy.
What does Phoenix's Sustainable Purchasing Policy do?
Incorporates green specifications into city's solicitations for goods and services
Conducts sustainable purchasing training for city staff
Guides city policy development for sustainable purchasing
Allows vendors a forum to demonstrate products, then aligns them with appropriate procuring departments
Protects the health and well-being of employees and residents
Reduces the City's greenhouse (GHG) emissions
Reduce the City's overall consumption of natural resources
