The EPP Program's mission is to promote the purchase of EPPs to state and local agencies and departments throughout the Commonwealth for the purpose of fostering the practice of responsible purchasing choices that are cost effective, reduce impacts to the climate, public health and the environment. The primary goal of the EPP Program is to use the Commonwealth's purchasing power to reduce the environmental and public health impact of state government and foster markets for EPPs.
The EPP Program also works with agencies to ensure that Executive Order 515 requirements are met and collaborates with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Leading by Example Program (LBE), to expand the number of statewide contracts for EPPs, issue agency guidance, monitor compliance, promote the benefits and increased use of EPPs, and cooperate on a national level to expand EPP opportunities.
On October 27, 2009, Executive Order 515 was signed, establishing an Environmental Purchasing Policy for all Commonwealth Executive Departments, to help conserve natural resources, reduce waste, protect public health and the environment, and promote the use of clean technologies, recycled materials, and less toxic products. This policy requires all Executive Departments to reduce their impact on the environment and enhance public health by procuring EPPs whenever such products and services are readily available, perform to satisfactory standards, and represent best value to the Commonwealth.
What are EPPs?
EPP’s are products and services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to competing products or services that serve the same purpose. They may include, but are not limited to items that:
- Contain recycled materials
- Minimize waste
- Conserve energy and/or water
- Consist of fewer toxic substances
- Reduce the amount of toxic substances disposed or consumed
- Reduce the climate impact on the environment
- Protect open-space
- Lessen the impact to public health
Some EPPs benefits:
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Made with a percentage of post-consumer recycled content instead of pure virgin products, helps to reduce the need to extract raw materials, such as petroleum, trees, or metals and, in general, use less energy and water.
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Manufactured using fewer toxic ingredients, which minimizes the hazardous impacts of those products during the manufacturing process (e.g. water/air pollution) as well as reduces the damage caused through accidental spills and improper disposal. We also reduce the risk to workers handling the products and the risks posed to building occupants when the products are in use.
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Energy efficient, limits energy consumption, which, in turn, lowers our emissions of sulfur dioxide (which causes acid rain) and carbon dioxide (a primary greenhouse gas).