Green procurement… conserving resources, reducing costs

Since its inception, IISD has looked for ways to conserve resources by purchasing products that are environmentally certified by eco-certification and ecolabelling programs. These ecolabelling programs may address a single attribute, such as energy efficiency, while others include criteria relating to the full lifecycle of the product, from production to disposal.

Measurement Method

Office equipment and supplies normally purchased by IISD were checked to determine if they met eco-criteria established by a certification agency and/or are listed in the CEC Certified Office Products Database.

Progress

The majority of office supplies vetted this year met the necessary environmental standards, except paper used for publications and stationary and coffee and tea supplies. Hence, action is being taken to use 100 per cent recycled paper for publications and stationary. To meet criteria for coffee and tea supplies we have started to purchase coffee with organic and fair trade certification and to use reusable coffee filters. In addition, we have started to purchase refillable pens and highlighters.