Making the Case for
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)

A special report produced by Sustainable Sarasota for Sarasota County Government, Sarasota, FL
March, 2004 Download a copy of this entire report. (MS Word)

What is Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)?

According to Executing Order 13101, Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Federal Acquisition of September 14, 1998,

EPP means selecting “products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.  This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service”. 

Why worry about purchasing activities? 

“ The major cause of the continued deterioration of the global environment is the unsustainable patters of production and consumption, particularly in industrialized countries.”    

 - United Nations Agenda 21 Report

Why worry about government purchasing habits?

• $1 out of every $5 is controlled by a government entity

• US government purchasing represents 20% of annual GNP

• US Federal Government market size:  $285 billion (excluding Dept. of Defense)

• State and local governments market size:  $400 billion

• Colleges and Universities market size:  $240 billion

• Government purchasing has long been a driver in the US economy

• Government procurement can promote the development of newer, better products, as well as advance declared national policies.

Benefits to the Local Economy (Sarasota County)
EPP policies can help promote a diverse and sustainable local economy.

Cost Impacts
EPP can reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, decrease liability and improve productivity.

Revenue Opportunities
Green purchasing provides revenue opportunities through improved public relations and market competitiveness.

References