Green Procurement

Introduction

In 1998 Manitoba passed the Sustainable Development Act, a proactive piece of legislation with far reaching implications, that sets out the principles of Sustainable Development for Manitoba.

The Act recognizes that the public sector, through its internal operations and procurement practices, has an integral role in promoting environmental awareness and Sustainable Development. Government departments and publicly funded agencies will be required to apply Sustainable Development principles in their operations.

The economy, the environment, human health and social well being should be managed for the equal benefit of both present and future generations and economic decisions, including purchasing decisions, should adequately take into account their environmental, human health and social consequences.

Sustainable Development Procurement Guidelines

The Sustainable Development Act (1998) required the establishment of Procurement Guidelines and the integration of the Guidelines into Provincial procurement manuals and procedures. These guidelines were ratified by Cabinet in December 2000 with a one year implementation period for the development of Government wide performance goals and action plans.

Manitoba's Sustainable Development Procurement Guidelines are to be considered in any procurement and in broad outline would include the following:
 

• Promoting Environmental Sustainable Economic Development
• Conserving Resources
• Conserving Energy
• Promoting Pollution Prevention, Waste Reduction and Diversion
• Evaluating Value, Performance and Need

Potentially the cost of some environmentally preferable products, (see schedule "C" of the  Sustainable Development Procurement Guidelines) materials and services may be higher, however, any potential increase will in all likelihood be offset by related benefits associated with conservation, life cycle cost analysis, full cost accounting and other changes in purchasing behavior.

The Procurement Guidelines are broad in scope and allow for both flexibility and creativity in their application by Manitoba's buying professionals. They can range from the familiar attention to recycled products and avoidance of toxic substances, to the more fundamental recognition that purchasing decisions should consider the unique aspirations and needs of the people of the various regions of the province including Manitoba's Aboriginal Peoples.

Implementation

It is recognized that in order for the Guidelines to be effectively implemented they would have to be integrated into the existing business plans and reporting procedures already in place. Departments will be required to annually produce a written report on Procurement Guideline implementation that will be made public through their annual reports to the Manitoba Legislature.

The Implementation Committee intends to build on previous initiatives such as the Environmentally Sensitive Initiatives Committee (ESIC, 1989-97) and also to avail itself of outside resources such as the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) and other industry associations. On a longer time frame, local authorities, school divisions, universities, colleges, regional health authorities and hospitals will also need to adopt such procurement guidelines. Departments will consult with such public sector organizations on implementation. Consultation will also be entered into as required with product and service providers prior to the establishment of specific requirements and procedures for the purchase of goods, materials and services.

Other Resources

Procara

Environment Canada - Greener Procurement

Manitoba Conservation - Sustainable Development

Resource Conservation

Manitoba Product Stewardship Corporation

Manitoba Environmental Industries Association

Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER)

The Sustainable Development Act (1998)