| Program Name: | Sustainable Marketplace: Sustainable Purchasing Program |
| Program Sponsor: | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| Program Type: | Information Sharing/ Technical Support |
| Technology: | Waste Management; Low Embodied Carbon Materials |
| Fuel: | N/A |
| Eligibility: | Institutional purchasers, spanning schools, universities, hospitals, local businesses, and more |
| Cost: | Free |
Description
The EPA’s Sustainable Marketplace initiative focuses on promoting greener products and services to create a more sustainable marketplace. The overarching goals include reducing climate impacts, improving frontline community health, preventing pollution, and enhancing U.S. industry competitiveness. Specific elements of the initiative target institutional purchasers, providing them with resources to make environmentally conscious choices.
Eligibility
The program is open to institutional purchasers, spanning schools, universities, hospitals, local businesses, and more. Institutions from across the globe are encouraged to participate and leverage their purchasing power to drive demand for greener products and services.
How the Program Works
By purchasing greener products and services, institutional purchasers contribute to improving human health and the environment. The program emphasizes considering the full array of impacts throughout a product’s lifecycle, from sourcing raw materials to disposal. Various “hotspots” are identified, and purchasers are urged to assess potential burden shifting, ensuring that solving one problem does not create others. The program promotes a life cycle approach, addressing environmental pressures, human health, and resource use.
How to Apply
Institutional purchasers can engage in the program by exploring key resources provided. These include the Buy Clean Procurement and ENERGY STAR programs, a summary of Sustainable Purchasing Program Guidance, involvement with the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC), and understanding the impact of their choices. Institutional and organizational purchasers are encouraged to evaluate environmental marketing claims, use credible ecolabels and standards, and be aware of “greenwashing.” The program also advises reducing and reusing products to minimize environmental impact and save costs.
Contact Information
For more information and assistance, institutional purchasers can refer to the key resources listed on the program’s webpage. Additionally, they can contact the EPA directly for guidance. The EPA manages a diverse range of resources, including ecolabels, standards, and certifications. Institutional purchasers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments and reach out to the EPA for any questions or concerns.
Contact Information
Use this form to submit comments or questions, or write the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program contact:
Allison Thompson
US EPA / EPP Program
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
WJC East Building, MC 7406M
Washington, DC 20460