HBP Part 7.12.3. Commodity-Specific Recommendations

Handbook of Business Procedures

Date published: August 16, 2013
Last revised: August 16, 2013
Issued by: Purchasing

7.12.3. COMMODITY-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Commodity

What To Look For

Appliances

 

CFC-free

Dishwashers, Refrigerators, Washing Machines

ENERGY STAR certified

Automotive

 

Less polluting alternatives to diesel, e.g., compressed natural gas, bio-based fuels, hybrids, electric batteries and fuel cells

Electronics

ENERGY STAR certified

Conformance to EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive

Equipment that can use main electricity

Electronics

Batteries

NiMH or Lithium rechargeable batteries

Avoid batteries containing Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd) or Lead (Pb)

Computers and Monitors

Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) environmental certification, gold level preferred

Facilities

Appliances

Most water efficient appliances available

Carpet

Emits low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

GREENGUARD and Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)

100% recyclable

Cleaning Products

Biodegradable, phosphate -free, and citrus-based

Green Seal certification

Avoid products containing carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogens or that are listed by the U.S. EPA or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on the Toxics Release Inventory

Lighting

Screw base bulbs: ENERGY STAR certified CFL(Compact Fluorescent)

Pin type bulbs: TCLP Compliant

Fluids

Re-refined lubrication, hydraulic oils,  and antifreeze

Paint

Low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Paper products

Recycled content

Avoid products that are bleached or processed with chlorine or chlorine derivatives

Vacuums

Meet the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Testing Program - Vacuum Cleaner Criteria

Food

 

Locally grown, Fair Trade certified, Domestic Fair Trade certified, shade-grown or bird-friendly coffee, Rainforest Alliance certified, Food Alliance certified, USDA Organic, AGA grassfed, pasture raised, grass-finished/100% grassfed, Certified Humane Raised and Handled, cage-free, Protected Harvest Certified, Marine Stewardship Council, and Seafood Watch Guide “Best Choices” or “Good Alternatives”

Packaging

Disposables that are either biodegradable or recyclable and made from biobased, nonbleached, or recycled content materials.

Laboratory

Refrigeration

Low power consumption per capacity (e.g. , less than 0.03 KW/Day/cu. ft)

High volume of 2" boxes held per capacity (e.g.,  at least 20 boxes/cu. ft)

Temperature management systems

Office

Adhesive

Nontoxic, water-soluble adhesive and paper or cellulose based tapes

Avoid spray adhesives

Binders and Filing

Recycled content

Copiers and Printers

Compatible with recycled and remanufactured products

Uses a low melting point toner

Multifunctional capability to save space and resources

Stand-by or power down functionality

ENERGY STAR  certified

Ability to print double-sided

Correction Fluid

Water-based, corrective pens

Envelopes and Shipping

Recycled content

Furniture

BIFMA Level certification, Cradle-to-Cradle certified, Indoor Advantage certification, PVC Free, EcoLogo certified, GREENGUARD certified, SCS certified

Low or no VOC-emitting

High percentage postconsumer recycled materials

FSC and PEFC certified wood products

Natural latex foam, avoid plastic foams that contain CFCs , HCFCs, or polyurethane

Domestic soft wood (e.g., pine) instead of tropical hardwoods (e.g., mahogany)

Solvent and formaldehyde free finishes and glue

Paper

At least thirty percent recycled content

Avoid products that are bleached or processed with chlorine or chlorine derivatives

Pens and Pencils

Recycled content, refillable

Printing

Soybean-based inks

Stationary

Recycled content

Storage

Rewritable CDs and DVDs, flash drives

Toner

Remanufactured or refillable cartridges

 

 

Part 7. Purchasing - Table of Contents