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G REEN P URCHASING F OR T OXICS REDUCTION AT THE C ITY OF P ORTLAND Stacey Foreman, City of Portland, Oregon
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Background Variety of City sustainability policies including: Sustainable Procurement Policy Toxics Reduction Strategy Healthy Purchasing Initiative Linking “upstream” decisions to “downstream” effects: Human health Environmental Fiscal
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Getting Green Products Find out who makes the decision on what to buy: Employee with P-Card Project manger Specification writer (employee or contractor) Find out how they make their decision What resources do they need to make a green choice? Work with vendors to make green options available, including EPR requirements Research/Provide Resources Track/Report: incorporate into procurement processes
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Provide Resources Staff/SMEs Website Networks
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Incorporate into Procurement Processes Intake forms Prompts (SP intake form) (P-Card sleeve)
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Reducing Toxics
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Deciding What is “Less-Toxic” Multi-Attribute/LCA based third-party certifications EPEAT EPA DfE Precautionary Approach – alternatives assessment Ingredient & health/environmental hazard disclosure – “Health Product Declaration” or HPD form Hazard Avoidance/Reference Red Lists Chemical Hazard Assessment Tools GreenScreen, Pharos
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Example: Lamps (non-LED) Potential Toxics of Concern Lead Require RoHS compliance Require manufacturer/distributor take-back for recycling Mercury Require RoHS compliance Choose non-mercury options (e.g. LED products) Choose low-mercury options (e.g. Philips Alto II products) Require manufacturer/distributor take-back for recycling
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Example: Furniture Potential Toxics of Concern: Phthalates Choose non-vinyl products/components Flame Retardants Choose options without foam padding or textiles PFCs Choose options without textiles or without stain/water repellent treatments Formaldehyde/VOCs Choose options that do not use formaldehyde-based binders (also: third-party indoor-air quality certifications) Require reuse/recycling – manufacturer take back
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Example: Carpet Potential Toxics of Concern Brominated Flame Retardants Common only in residential carpet pads Choose flooring alternatives to carpet or no carpet pads Phthalates/PVC Non-vinyl surface fibers and backing Antimicrobials Choose durable flooring alternatives to carpet PFCs/Nanos Choose durable flooring alternatives to carpet VOCs Choose third-party certified meeting CA Section 01350 Require recycling – manufacturer take-back
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Other examples - highlights Lead-free wheel weights Beet juice as tire counterweights Integrated pest management Non-dry cleaning textiles, laundry services Mercury-free switches on industrial equipment EPEAT-qualified office electronics Third-party certified cleaning products, high- efficiency cleaning practices
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Lessons Learned Learn the language and decision making processes Network, build relationships Ensure specs can be met, use RFP evaluative criteria for cutting-edge work (or allow contractor time to meet cutting-edge requirement after contract award) Work with vendors – utilize online & contract tools to highlight and reduce pricing on green products Develop useful metrics Incorporate audience’s priorities into sustainability pitch ($, image, human health, doing what is right)
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Thank you! Contact Stacey at: stacey.foreman@portlandoregon.gov stacey.foreman@portlandoregon.gov BuyGreen website: www.portlandoregon.gov/buygreen www.portlandoregon.gov/buygreen Case studies Example green specifications, evaluative criteria
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