Canada Announces New Policy for Green Procurement

0 Comments | Renewable Energy Today, Dec 15, 2005

The Government of Canada recently announced a new plan, known as the Policy on Green Procurement, under which it has committed to buying more "green" products and services.

According to the Canadian government, the new policy will contribute to such environmental objectives as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reducing waste and supporting reuse and recycling, improving energy and water efficiency, and reducing toxic and hazardous chemicals and substances.

"The federal government is one of the biggest purchasers in Canada, buying roughly $13 billion in goods and services every year," said Canadian minister of public works and government services Scott Brison. "We need to buy green if we want to protect our environment and help Canadian companies establish a competitive advantage over our trading partners based on environmental sustainability."

Under the policy, federal government departments will ensure procurement decisions incorporate environmental performance considerations and will monitor and report annually on green procurement performance. The new policy will be phased in as the government develops appropriate standards and tools to support the policy, consistent with best practices in the public and private sectors.

Contact: Government of Canada, website http://www.gc.ca.

(EIN STAFF: 11/28)