2019 COUNCIL STUDY ISSUE
NUMBER
Title
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy
BACKGROUND
Lead Department:
Environmental Services Department
Support Departments:
Office of the City Manager
Office of the City Attorney
Sponsor(s):
Sustainability Commission
History:
1 year ago: N/A
2 years ago: N/A
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
What precipitated this study?
The city's purchasing decisions can have significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions not necessarily within the city, but in the wider world. Although previous Climate Actions for Sunnyvale have mostly focused on direct emissions within the city, as we know, purchasing products that are made outside the city induces greenhouse gas emissions in other locations thus contributing to climate change. If the city required that the products and services it buys are made and delivered in a sustainable way then when aggregated, market demand is created for more sustainable options. It is likely that the city could even money on some products and services over the long term.
A green purchasing policy is consistent with the Council Priority of accelerating climate action. There is considerable information available about Environmentally Preferable Purchasing programs/policies adopted by cities, universities and the federal government. The study should leverage on the significant work already done by others (see References for just a few examples).
Desired Outcome: A comprehensive Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPPP) for the city.
Benefits:
The city spends a lot of money on goods and services that are made outside the city and which produce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere. This is an opportunity for the city to be a leader and role model for residents and businesses as well as to accelerate the demand signal in the economy for sustainably produced and delivered products and services. Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions generated by city purchases will be significantly reduced after full implem...
Click here for full text