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Green procurement (GP) encompasses several procurement preference programs that apply to purchases made by the federal government, programs that consider environmental and energy-saving attributes in the products that we procure. Together, these programs encourage DOD acquisition purchasers to make environmental benefits a key part of their procurement decisions. Energy savings, reduction in landfill use, reduced pollution, and long-term environmental sustainability are just a few of the benefits of GP. Examples of green purchases include hybrid vehicles, absorbent material made from cottonseed lint, energy-efficient computers, and recycled copy paper.
This article provides a brief overview of federal, DOD, and Army GP requirements and responsibilities. It offers ideas for applying GP to the acquisition of materiel systems and cites recent examples of DOD's successful use of GP
Why Green Procurement?
The short answer is because it's mandated by federal regulations, laws, and executive orders (EOs). EO 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, requires that 95 percent of new contract actions for products and services other than acquisition weapon systems be energy-efficient, water-efficient, biobased, environmentally preferable, and non-ozone depleting; contain recycled content; and use nontoxic or less toxic alternatives. EO 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management, requires that federal purchasers show preference for products that conserve resources such as fossil fuels, water, and energy.
Part 7 of the Federal Acquisition Reguhtion (FAR) emphasizes procurement of recycled-content and environmentally preferable products and services. Part 7.105(b) (16) requires that acquisition plans "discuss all applicable environmental and energy conservation objectives associated with the acquisition... ."
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Section 6002, requires federal agencies to develop programs to promote the procurement of products that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates as helping to create and sustain markets for recycled products.
But beyond the EOs, regulations, and laws, there are many practical, compelling reasons for implementing GP GP uses the power of federal spending to do something positive for people's health...