Electronics and the Environment:

Massachusetts Green Procurement

Efforts

Eric FriedmanDirector of State Sustainability

MA Executive Office of Environmental Affairs

EPEAT Workshop June 17, 2003

Talking Points

The Massachusetts Green Purchasing ProgramEnvironmental Computer Contract ExperiencePurchasing NeedsAlternative Procurement ToolsAssessment Tool Needs

The Green Purchasing Program

The Operational Services Division establishes Statewide contracts for goods and services for use by agencies and political subdivisions

Oversees annual purchases of $300 million

2 full-time dedicated environmental staff

Incorporate environmental criteria into bid specifications

Initial focus on recycled products

Program moved to consider other environmental criteria such as energy efficiency, toxics, waste prevention, etc.

Why Government Purchasing?

Federal, state, local governments make up 20% of U.S. GNP

Single point of procurement

Affect markets on larger scale

Larger environmental impact

Use as broader educational tool

Lead by example

Other Locales

King County

Santa Monica

Minnesota

Vermont

Connecticut

Pennsylvania

Seattle

Feds

Computer Env. Considerations

Part of existing program to consider EPPs

Computers a growing problem for solid waste and hazardous materials management

Costly to dispose of

Minimize liability and responsibility

Mass. CRT waste ban

Others looking to state leadership

The Computer Contract

contract written 1999/up for rebid 2003

The Computer Contract

contract written 1999/up for rebid 2003require energy star compliance

multiple desirable criteria including:reduced toxic materials (cadmium, mercury, chlorinated solvents, CFCs and HCFCs, etc.)

take-back program

design for recycling and/or upgradability

recycled content in plastic housing or other parts

recycled content in CRT glass

recycled and/or source reduced packaging

other broad-based environmental initiatives

Computer Evaluation Criteria

100 points for environmental responses approximately 15% of total points

Toxic Constituents

Recycled Content

Take Back Provisions

Packaging

Upgradability

Design for Recycling

Worker Health & Safety

3rd Party Certification

Other Environmental Issues

Lessons Learned

Re-sellers did not take specs seriously and did not contact OEMsOEMs are working on issues but not equally Varying levels of detail provided in responsesThere are some models which meet some of the criteriaNeed to do more outreach to OEMs about concernsDifficult to influence global market from one state bid

Purchasing Issues

Meet the needs of varied and demanding users

Encompass numerous issuesCost

Performance

Training

Delivery

Write contracts quickly

Not environmental experts nor is environment necessarily a priority

Alternative Procurement Tools

1. Flexible criteria with points system

e.g. LEED building rating system from USGBC

2. Third party standardse.g. GreenSeal cleaners

Procurement Tools-Advantages

GreenSeal StandardsList of mandatory criteria – pass/failStandards developed by 3rd party certifier with no stake in outcomeBack-up documentationCertification offered to simplify approval processBecoming more widely accepted

LEED Rating System

Flexible with some mandatory criteriaPoints allocated in varied categoriesVarying levels of designation (platinum, gold, silver, regular)Coordinated by national organizationWidely accepted

Procurement Assessment Tool Needs

Create one set of information across jurisdictions

Establish simple, straightforward guidelines and/or minimum criteria

Justify established priorities

Keep it simple for users and industry

Create wide availability of product

Eliminate complicated evaluation processes

Developed by respected organization or coalition