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Green Procurement Decision Making Tool(Setting Green Procurement Targets) Under the Policy on Green Procurement, Deputy heads are required to ensure that the objectives of green procurement are realized. Requirements of the policy include setting green procurement targets as appropriate, with the assistance of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). This tool is meant as a guideline to help federal departments (key management, procurement services, delivery and oversight positions and their clients) set green procurement targets, as appropriate. It can also be used to develop awareness in other procurement related decision-making activities such as the commodity management activities currently underway at PWGSC. The tool should be especially useful to departments and agencies that are required to establish green procurement targets for their Sustainable Development Strategies. The Decision Making Tool includes an Excel software application, (.xls 92kB) (other software formats are currently being developed) which reflects five sets of commodity grids used for the purpose of analyzing the environmental and operational attributes of selected goods and services (identified as Commodity # 1 through Commodity # 5 in the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet). The software application also includes a Commodity Comparison chart (the first tab in the spreadsheet), which reflects the results of the analyses completed using the five sets of commodity grids, as well as additional instructions for users wishing to evaluate more or less than five commodities (the last tab in the spreadsheet). A fictional example of a completed analysis is also provided. Detailed instructions and supporting information is provided under the following categories:
Using the Decision Making ToolThe use of this tool is best suited to the planning phase to enable appropriate decision-making that fully integrates the environment. The policy relies on the application of a life cycle approach to the procurement of goods and services, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal. A green procurement target includes the following components:
Example: By December 20075, we plan to reduce energy consumption2 from the use of printers1 by 10 %4 by purchasing high efficiency printers and setting the default option to duplexing3. COMPONENT 1 and COMPONENT 2: Identifying Goods and Services and Environmental Improvement
For each environmental/sustainability attribute, evaluate its environmental impact at both the use and disposal phases based on the following point rating system: High (8 to 10 points): the good or service has a high impact on the environment; therefore, there would be a great opportunity for environmental improvement Medium (5 to 7 points): the good or service has a medium impact on the environment; therefore, there would be an opportunity for environmental improvement. Low (1 to 4 points): the good or service has a low impact on the environment; therefore, there would be minimal opportunity for environmental improvement. For each operational requirement, evaluate the feasibility of integrating the environmental improvement: High (16 to 20 points): the operational requirement makes the green procurement highly feasible; therefore, there would be a great opportunity for environmental improvement. Medium (9 to 15 points): the operational requirement makes the green procurement feasible; therefore, there would be an opportunity for environmental improvement. Low (1 to 8 points): the operational requirement makes the green procurement less feasible; therefore, there would be minimal opportunity for environmental improvement. To help you evaluate each item, answer the following questions. Environmental/Sustainability AttributesAnswering the following questions will lead you to a better understanding of the environmental impact of the good or service by identifying what it is and how it affects the environment; how it is used; and how it will be disposed. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants: Are the levels of emissions of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxides, nitrogen oxides and other greenhouse gases significant at any time during the life cycle of the good or service? Improving energy and water efficiency: During the use of the good, does it require high levels of energy or water consumption? Reducing ozone-depleting substances: Will there be use of ozone depleting substances at any time during the life cycle of the good or service? Reducing waste and supporting reuse and recycling: Will the use of consumables end up as waste or generation of packaging waste? Reducing hazardous waste: Will there be use of toxic or hazardous substances at any time during the life cycle of the good or service? Reducing toxic and hazardous chemicals and substances: Do the goods comply with current regulations that govern the content of environmentally hazardous substances? Operational RequirementsEvaluating the feasibility of the environmental improvements based on operational requirements and the practicality of the environmental alternative offers balance to decisions. Volume and frequency of purchase: How significant is the purchase? How often? How does this requirement fit within the mandate of the department? Costs related to the environmental impacts: What are the costs associated with the purchase? How is the good maintained? How is the good used? What are the operational needs? Are water and energy costs high? Is it expensive to maintain and operate the good? Are disposal costs significant? Is the good made up of replaceable parts? Usability and effectiveness of alternatives: Is the quality of the alternative good or service equal or above the original? Will the outcome be the same? Feasibility and accessibility of alternatives: Is there a market for the alternative? Is it readily available? Is it easily achievable? Minimal risk of liability (corporate and personal): Would the environmental improvement reduce liability issues? Is the current good or service at risk of liability issues (spills, health issues, hazardous waste)? Are there consequences related to altering the good or service (i.e. warranties)? Are there effects on other commodities?Costs and level of effort related to the green procurement are reasonable: Is it expensive or time consuming to make the transition to an alternative good or service? Is the environmental improvement cost effective?
COMPONENT 3: Green Procurement Action PlanHere are examples of specific actions that can be included in an action plan and in your target to achieve the environmental improvement:
Consult links referenced herein to find more tools and resources. To continually improve and maintain existing initiatives
COMPONENT 4: Quantifiable MeasuresEnvironmental improvements must be measured in a quantifiable way. Quantifiable measures should be attainable, realistic and should take into account operational requirements and available tools and resources. COMPONENT 5: TimelineThe timeline should be achievable and realistic – ideally within 3 to 5 years with signs of progress in each year. LINKSThe following tools and resources provide additional information on specific goods and services, on how to identify opportunities for improvement and on setting green procurement targets using a risk-based approach. Natural Resources Canada Website Swedish Environmental Advisory Council's green headline indicators Green in Practice Purchasing's GRIP Purchasing (1997) (Norway) Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection - New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development: Map your own risks – Procurement checklist |
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