Environmental Procurement

Procurement decisions can have a major impact on the environment, both locally and globally. Products and services can cause damage to the environment and public health, ranging from the extraction of raw materials and the manufacturing of goods, to their distribution, use and eventual disposal. By using environmental procurement these impacts can be reduced.

Environmental procurement means combining the best economic solution with environmental criteria. It is therefore about purchasing goods and services that have the most beneficial environmental, social and economic impact. It should consider not only the source of materials, but also their longevity in the work place and eventual disposal.

Environmental procurement can have a number of benefits. These include:

• Improved resource efficiency, achieved by a ‘doing more with less’ approach (the best environmental option is to procure less).
• A reduction in waste by procuring items with a greater longevity. This decreases the environmental and financial costs associated with waste disposal.
• If the lifecycle costs of the product are considered, environmental procurement can allow you to save money and protect the environment at the same time.
• An improved corporate image can be achieved.
• Supporting and creating new markets that will allow the development of alternative products and services in an environmentally responsible manner.

To find out more please click on the relevant link below:

National Procurement Strategy

Lancashire County Council’s Environmental Procurement Policy

Principles of Environmental Procurement:

• Environmental Claims and Labels
• Contracts and tendering
• Standard environmental questions for all procurement activities
• Links
• Useful Contacts

Environmental Procurement Seminars