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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101-Approval of Administrative Policy Governing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Use.pdfPage 1 of 2 SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: October 5, 2011 AGENDA ITEM: DEPARTMENT: Recreation & Facilities CITY MANAGER: Dave Anderson PREPARED BY: Michael Taylor DIRECTOR: Michael Taylor SUBJECT: Approval of Administrative Policy Governing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Use RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends the Council approve the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Use Policy and authorize the City Manager to sign. REPORT SUMMARY: Local and state governments form one of the largest consumers of goods and services. As such, these organizations have a significant opportunity to reduce their environmental impact and encourage sustainable markets by incorporating environmental considerations in purchasing practices. By incorporating environmental considerations in public purchasing, the City of Saratoga can reduce its burden on the local and global environment, remove unnecessary hazards from its operations, protect public health, reduce costs and liabilities, and help develop markets for environmentally responsible products and services. DISCUSSION: This Policy provides guidelines and recommendations on the purchase and use of goods and services that are environmentally preferable. By including environmental considerations in purchasing decisions, the City of Saratoga can encourage sustainable practices that improve public and employee health, conserve natural resources, reward environmentally responsible manufacturers, and minimize the City’s environmental impact. The comprehensive Policy covers such topics as source reduction, life cycle, toxics and pollution, forest conservation, and bio-based products as used for office supplies, equipment and fleet purchases and uses, parks and facilities, and streets. The Policy has been reviewed and accepted by City Department Heads and staff. Having an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Use Policy is a requirement of the Bay Area Green Business certification and staff will use the Policy, if adopted, in the application for certification renewal. Page 2 of 2 FISCAL IMPACTS: Adopting the Policy will not incur any additional fiscal impact for the City as the guidelines and recommendations are already being followed. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION: By not adopting the Policy, the City will not be eligible for Green Business certification. FOLLOW UP ACTION: As directed by Council. ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, this item was properly posted as a City Council agenda item and was included in the packet made available on the City’s website in advance of the meeting. A copy of the agenda packet is also made available at the Saratoga Branch Library each Monday in advance of the Council meeting. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A – Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Use Policy