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Benefits of Green Purchasing Decisions
Going for the green
Read this testimony by Green Seal President, Arthur Weissman, on the benefits of Green purchasing.
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The choice to go green doesn't just look good on paper. Many green manufacturing practices and materials save money and mitigate health risk. Products that reduce energy consumption, for example, can deliver savings to organizations for years and years to come. But green building and procurement practices also create healthier places to live and work. Many conventional products contain synthetic ingredients that "off-gas" volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are toxic and can cause severe allergic reactions. This can have serious implications for employees who spend 90% of their lives indoors. Below are just a few of the benefits to green purchasing practices:
- Environmentally preferable paints cost less and their use can be required
Green Seal's Paint Program for the U.S. Army, Aberdeen Proving Ground found that, after testing, 71 of the 565 architectural paints on post met the Aberdeen standard. These paints cost an average of $1.76 a gallon less than other paints from the same manufacturers. The Garrison Commander ordered that all architectural paints brought onto the post meet the standard or have a written exception. The program was extensively publicized in local and national media and to local paint stores.
- Environmentally preferable O&M products and procedures improve health and safety, lower life-cycle costs
Green Seal made maintenance recommendations to The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to improve the health and safety of building occupants, visitors, and maintenance workers. The recommendations are expected to lower life-cycle maintenance costs as well. They were developed in cooperation with a panel of Commonwealth employees, making it easier to gain acceptance for them.
- If it's easy, environmentally preferable purchasing is more apt to happen
The National Park Service has welcomed lists of specific environmentally responsible products and contract language that specifies such products. Demonstration parks are expected to substantially increase their use of environmentally preferable products as a result.
- Electronics products that are greener and more efficient lower energy and procurement costs
Green Seal, in conjunction with its partner The University of Tennessee, developed guidance for the State of California on procurement, use, and end-of-life management of electronics products. The guidance helps the State select less wasteful products and reduce the need for more frequent purchases.
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