A Framework for Greener Procurement: Connecting Lifecycle, Attributes and Ecolabels to Bring Greater Clarity to Institutional Buyers

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Jordan Robbins
6 years ago
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1 A Framework for Greener Procurement: Connecting Lifecycle, Attributes and Ecolabels to Bring Greater Clarity to Institutional Buyers Yalmaz Siddiqui, Senior Director, Environmental Strategy, Office Depot Co-Chair, Green Products Roundtable Jonathan Rifkin, Green Purchasing Coordinator, Office of Contracting & Procurement, DC & NASPO Green Products Working Group Liaison

2 Recognizing My background and obscure green philosophy German philosopher: Hegel

3 Key points we d like you to take from our presentation Point #1 Before thinking about tools, we need to work much harder on definitions Point #2 Point #3 Before defining sustainable for products, we need to clarify and better define greener To foster sustainability considerations into procurement, we must show the WIFM / WIFMO for greener choices

4 GPR Framework Group Goal Map all ideas associated with green by untangling concepts, reorganizing them and connecting them so that ultimately Institutional purchasers and businesses have a consistent, readily understandable way to identify and procure greener products, in priority categories

5 What is a Framework? Conceptual frameworks attempt to connect to all aspects of an inquiry They act like maps that give coherence to an inquiry Wikipedia

6 What inquiry are we trying to bring coherence to? What makes one product greener than another?

7 Seemingly simple definition of greener? Products with reduced impact on human health and the environment when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose. US EPA

30% Post Consumer Recycled; Meets Federal EPP Guidelines Is this green?

8 Agreeing on definitions a paper example Is this green? FSC-Certified 0% Recycled Meets LEED EB EPP Guidelines Is this green? 30% Post Consumer Recycled; Meets Federal EPP Guidelines Is this green? 100% Post Consumer Recycled, PCF Green-E Certified Meets San Fran & Washington State EPP Guidelines

9 Agreeing on definitions GoodGuide

10 Agreeing on definitions International Paper

11 Who s definition is right? We need a framework to untangle concepts and think clearly about greener 1. Single Attribute: Greener for one reason 2. Multi-Attribute: Greener for multiple reasons 3. Ecolabels: Meets a 3rd party definition of green, with a label 4. Standards: Meets a third party definition of green, no label 5. Index: Calculated green score based on numerous factor 6. Lower Footprint: Less cumulative impact in one a few impact areas 7. Lifecycle Impact: Less cumulative impact in all key impact areas More commonly used in EPP s More likelihood of impact reduction

12 There are some product categories where definitional issues have been resolved (Technology, Furniture) but not quite Single attribute Tiering: Energy Efficient MOST Efficient Multi- attribute Tiering Energy Efficient & Safer Materials & Designed for Recyclability

13 Framework Step 1: Identify terms and concepts used in Major EPPs?

14 Framework Summary Concepts in EPPs Lifecycle Impacts Footprint Areas Product Categories & Sectors Life Cycle Impacts & Hotspots Single Attributes Standards Specifications Single-Attribute Ecolabels Right Priorities for Impact Reduction Multi-Attribute Ecolabels

15 Framework Draft 12/2011: All major concepts associated with greener untangle & connected

16 Framework Detail: LCA to Footprint Areas to Attributes

17 Framework Detail: Greener Product Attributes Greener Process Attributes Standards Ecolabels Detail

attributes, standards and ecolabels that reduce environmental impacts

18 Framework Next Step: Leverage TSC / GSA / other data sets to clarify Product Category hotspots / Warmspots and with this insight, clarify attributes, standards and ecolabels that reduce environmental impacts of concern, at relevant lifecycle stages Copy Paper Example Mock Data

19 Framework as a Tool? The framework can serve as: 1. Reference for Standards Development 2. The foundation of a tool to clarify which attributes / ecolabels / behaviors result in actual lower environmental impact 3. A way to distinguish between criteria

20 Framework final step: Create entertaining training: Draft Training Overview [Modules 1-3] Greener Purchasing Basics Why greener purchasing debunking the myths Why greener purchasing understanding environmental issues What is greener purchasing vs. sustainable purchasing? What s in it for you or your Organization when seeking greener products The business case for greener purchasing - saving money/resources for your organization Green products now meeting performance requirements Current and upcoming regulatory requirements Emerging trends and their implications for procurement professionals Supply chain risks and traceability Learning from the Leaders How to develop a greener purchasing policy and program - approaches and considerations What do successful greener procurement programs look like? Case studies of notable programs (e.g. Santa Monica, TTC, Sodexo etc.]

21 To foster sustainability in procurement, it helps to show the WIFM/WIFMO for greener choices / connect to broader goals Environmentally Preferable Economically Preferable Societally Preferable Lower impact on the environment than alternative products that serve a similar function More desirable economically, through immediate or long term ROI than alternative products that serve a similar function Better outcomes for society than with alternative products that serve a similar function

22 Universal WIFM & WIFMO: The Green Savings Continuum Lower Initial Cost Higher Initial Cost Lower Operating Cost Higher Initial Cost Lower Repurchase Cost Price Parity Higher Initial Cost Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples: Energy/ Waste Avoidance Remanuf- Actured Items Energy efficient lights Power-saving strips Water-saving taps Green cleaners Rechargeable Reusables Refillable Energy Star Technology Fuel efficient Vehicles Many recycled items Recycled Paper Carbon Offsets Compostable Dishware

23 Greener Product Definition to Greener Purchasing Program 1. Understand impacts and costs 2. Recognize energy as the cost savings opportunity 3. Identify product categories people control 4. Encourage switching to greener alternatives in priority categories 5. Write & release implementable greener purchasing policies 6. Define quantifiable green spend metrics 7. Quantify economic impacts of greener spend 8. Quantify environmental benefits of greener spend (announceables) 9. Recognize psychological / behavioral aspects of greener purchasing 10. Reward success (even if it is limited)

24 Finding WIFMO: Nudging behavior change: psychological tricks People follow norms Show greener as normal Find the Bright Spots Use Emotion, not just reason

25 Key points we hope you took from our presentation Point #1 Before thinking about tools, we need to work much harder on definitions Point #2 Point #3 Before defining sustainable for products, we need to clarify and better define greener To foster sustainability considerations into procurement, we must show the WIFM / WIFMO for greener choices

CLICK business.officedepot.com/greeneroffice CALL OFFICE ( ) COME BY stores.officedepot.com. GB.16_A_i1

THE GREENER PURCHASING PROGRAM A useful set of tools to help you save time and money while reducing your environmental footprint Exclusively for Office Depot customers GB.16_A_i1 CLICK business.officedepot.com/greeneroffice