Big Apple expands green procurement programme

The State of New York has finalised specifications for four product categories, while unveiling a tentative list for 18 other product types under its green procurement programme.

From now on, all State entities will have to adhere to strict environmental purchasing guidelines for desktop and laptop computers, engine block heaters, and passenger vehicles.

The State did not go as far as mandating alternative fuel vehicles in the vehicle specifications, but did specify that on-road passenger vehicles using conventional fuels should be in the top 30 per cent of their class in terms of fuel efficiency.

Desktop and laptop computers must meet the EPEAT Silver specification laid down by the US Green Electronics Council, a non-profit organisation that sets sustainability guidelines for electronics purchases. The Silver specification includes compliance with European Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation for the use of toxic materials in electronics products and minimum energy efficiency standards.

New York State's tentative list of specifications, which is now open for public review, covers a wide variety of products and services ranging from electronic traffic signage through to printers, and dishwashers.

If approved by the public, portable dynamic traffic signs would have to draw their primary power from solar panels, while all other products on the list would be subject to similarly stringent environmental purchasing criteria.

New York State's Department of Environment Conservation established the Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability programme in April this year under Executive Order 4.

The move is part of a growing trend at state level designed to use public sector purchasing power to drive the market for green products. Minnesota has a programme that mandates the use of recycled materials in products by executive order and Massachusetts also has an environmentally responsible procurement initiative.