Ongoing purchasing and waste policy

Intent

To reduce the environmental harm from materials purchased, used, and disposed of in the operations within buildings.

Requirements

Establishment

Environmentally preferable purchasing

Have in place an environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) policy for products purchased during regular operations of the building. Include at a minimum:

• Ongoing Purchases
  • The five most purchased product categories based on total annual purchases.

  • Paper, toner cartridges, binders, batteries, and desk accessories.
  • Lamps (indoor and outdoor, hard-wired and portable fixtures)
  • Food (required for EBOM Schools and Hospitality only)

• Durable Goods Purchases
  • Office equipment, appliances, and audiovisual equipment

  • Electric powered equipment

The policy should address the criteria in the following credits:

• Materials and Resources Credit: Purchasing—Ongoing

• Materials and Resources Credit: Purchasing—Lamps

The policy must cover at least those product purchases within the building and site management’s control.

Solid Waste Management

Establish storage locations for recyclable materials, including mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals. Establish safe storage areas for batteries and mercury-containing lamps.

Have in place an environmentally preferable solid waste management policy that addresses reuse, recycling, or composting of products purchased during regular operations of the building. Include at a minimum:

• Ongoing waste
  • The five most purchased product categories based on total annual purchases.

  • Food (required for EBOM Schools and Hospitality only)

• Durable goods waste
  • Office equipment, appliances, and audiovisual equipment

  • Electric powered equipment
• Hazardous Waste
  • Safe disposal of batteries and lamps (indoor and outdoor, hard-wired and portable fixtures)

The policy must cover at least those product purchases within the building and site management’s control.

Performance

Maintain a high-performing solid waste management program by conducting a waste stream audit of ongoing consumables at least once every five years or by diverting 75% of ongoing waste and achieving Materials and Resources Credit Solid Waste Management—Ongoing.