The Commonwealth of PA is a significant purchaser of materials and services. Our activities impact the state and national economy and can influence both the price and availability of materials and services in the marketplace.
The Department of General Services Green Procurement policy states that analysis is required on each material and service during the bid process to determine what green options are available. When an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) is comparable, statement of work or specifications are restricted to the EPP option.
Commonwealth Agencies are expected to use their buying power to buy Environmentally Preferable Products and services in order to advance the protection of the environment and support sustainability. Through these practices Pennsylvania encourages the production and sale of affordable, environmentally-friendly and health conscious products.
Green options should be used whenever a material or service is comparable in quality, availability and price as determined by the Purchasing Agency. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will procure EPP’s and services in accordance with the Procurement Handbook, Part 1 Chapter 22 - Green Procurement.
Green Procurement Goals and Resources
Environmentally preferable procurement is the selection of products and services that have a lesser or reduced impact on the environment over the life cycle of the product or service when compared with competing products or services serving the same purpose.
Environmental performance considerations include, among other things: the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants; improved energy and water efficiency; reduced waste and support of reuse and recycling; the use of renewable resources; reduced hazardous waste; and reduced toxic and hazardous substances.
Our policy is to analyze each commodity and service during the bid process to determine what EPP options are available. The “green” option is utilized whenever the product or service is comparable in quality, availability and price. View resources for green procurement.
Pennsylvania's goals for environmentally preferable procurement:
- Demonstrate environmental leadership and influence industry and citizens to use environmentally preferable goods, services and processes
- Stimulate innovation and market development of and demand for, environmentally preferred goods and services, making these available and mainstream for other sectors of society
- Encourage and support emerging environmental technologies
- Maximize the number of Environmentally Preferable Products on Commonwealth contracts, contributing to a healthier Pennsylvania environment
- Incorporate environmental considerations as part of our standard purchasing process
- Increase the awareness of the benefits associated with Green Procurement
- Provide leadership in Green Procurement practices to minimize environmental impact
Pennsylvania's Green Policies
Pennsylvania's various policies, management directives and resources are compiled below to assist in green procurement decisions. In addition, a guidance document is available to provide Commodity Specialists and Purchasing Agents to provide information on the Commonwealth's Green Procurement Program and includes instructions on how to complete the Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP) Analysis Form for inclusion in every Commodity Plan.
Procurement Handbook, Part I, Chapter 22 - Green Procurement
Act 101 1988 - Municipal Waste Planning Recycling and Waste Reduction Act
Executive Order 2019-01 - Governor's Green Government Council