ARCHIVED - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Has the department incorporated environmental performance considerations in its procurement decision-making processes?

Yes

Summary of initiatives to incorporate environmental performance considerations in procurement decision-making processes:

New line objects were created in the Agency’s integrated finance and procurement system for fiscal year 2008-2009 to identify all procurement of green and environmentally friendly products. This has created a baseline of information to analyze trends and monitor progress.

All procurement personnel have attended courses that include information on the Green Procurement Policy and the application of its principles throughout the procurement process. All staff performing procurement have completed the online course on Green Procurement Policy offered by the Canada School of Public Service.

Green procurement commitments have been included in the performance evaluation of the head of materiel management. A section on green procurement consideration has been included in the operational plan.

Results achieved:

Use of the new line object codes has provided a baseline database for monitoring progress and analyzing trends over the years.

Training provided procurement personnel with the knowledge and awareness to apply green procurement considerations in their work. This increased knowledge will lead to improved tracking of green procurement and purchasing.

Contributions to facilitate government-wide implementation of green procurement:

Not Applicable

Has the department established green procurement targets?

Yes

Are these green procurement targets the same as those identified in the department's Sustainable Development Strategy report in this DPR?

Yes

Summary of green procurement targets:

1. Increased use of remanufactured toner cartridges.
   Toner cartridges are purchased using standing offers for remanufactured or virgin toner cartridges. With the increased orders for remanufactured toner cartridges, manufacturers will be producing and perfecting their products to minimize the negative impact these products have on the equipment. Having a good product will increase efficiency of the equipment, save resources, and increase cost savings.

2. Increased volume of existing supplies being substituted by green products.
   Most goods are purchased through the mandatory standing offers established by Public Works and Government Services Canada. More standing offers have been established, thereby increasing the choices of green products and savings. Increased use of green products and practices has a direct positive impact on the environment.

3. The purchase of energy- efficient equipment when replacing existing equipment.
   All equipment is purchased through standing offers for products that have already qualified products as energy efficient. Re-evaluating needs (instead of replacing existing equipment) and consolidating options have contributed to a decrease in the quantity of equipment being replaced. With the increased use of multi-functional equipment, energy use will decrease, air quality will improve, efficiency of resources will increase, and cost savings will be realized.

Results achieved:

Training provided to procurement personnel has increased their knowledge, and will lead to improved tracking of green procurement and purchasing.

Increased use of government issued standing offers will result in cost savings and contribute to the overall commitment to greening government operations.

Increased use of multi-functional units and energy-efficient equipment will result in reduced energy use, improved air quality, increased efficiency of resources, and cost savings.

With baseline information created, results achieved will be easier to monitor and compare over the years.