Frequently Asked Questions
Standard environmental questions for all procurement activities
Whatever product or service you purchase, whatever the value, consider the environmental impacts of your choice. The questions below are intended to help you make an environmentally sound decision and should be considered prior to purchasing.
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2. Could you use a lower specification for the same purpose?
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3. Is the product manufactured using reused, recycled or renewable raw materials?
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5. Does the product contain any chemicals requiring Safety Data Sheets?
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6. Can the product and its packaging be reused or recycled after its initial purpose?
1. Is the product or service required in the first place?
The easiest way to help the environment is to minimise consumption. Before purchasing a product or a service, ask whether you could mend or repair existing equipment or can the product be shared, borrowed or rented rather than purchased. Check that the quantity requested is appropriate, obsolete stock items often end up in landfill sites. Check to see if alternative procedures could be put in place which removes the need to buy an environmentally damaging product or service.
3. Is the product manufactured using reused, recycled or renewable raw materials?
Purchasing a product which is manufactured using reused or recycled raw materials encourages the reuse or recycling of waste and optimises the use of resources. If you can’t do this a product made of a renewable resource e.g. wood or a natural fibre such as cotton is preferable to one made of a non renewable resource e.g. oil, plastic and metal.
4. Which product is cheaper over its whole life, taking into account not only initial cost but also running and disposal costs?
Look for lowest whole life cost, not just capital cost. A relatively expensive product, such as energy efficient light bulbs may last longer and create less waste leading to overall savings.
5. Does the product contain any chemicals requiring Safety Data Sheets?
If the product, such as a cleaning chemical, is potentially harmful it will be supplied with a COSHH safety data sheet detailing how to handle it. Try and replace those products with alternatives that do not require such precautions.