3.5. SR 06-06-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

// Elk REQUEST FOR ACTION :River To Item Number Ma or & Ci Council 3.5. Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Consent June 6, 2011 Ross Pomeroy, GreenCorps Member & Environmental Intern Item Description Reviewed by Resolution Directing that the City Purchase Printer Paper Rebecca Hau ,Environmental Admin. Containing at Least 30% Post-Consumer Recycled Content and Reviewed by Energy Star Certified Equipment Versus Normal Models (when available) Action Requested Staff requests that the City Council adopt the attached resolution directing that only printer paper with a minimum of 30%post-consumer recycled content be purchased and that Energy Star products be given purchasing preference over their normal counterparts. Background/Discussion Environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) shifts city purchasing to procurement of goods and services that have a reduced effect on the natural environment and human health when compared to competing products and services that serve the same purpose. While life-cycle assessments offer the best metric for determining what is the most environmentally preferable product and service, attributes are commonly used as a proxy and include: ^ Increased energy efficiency ^ Reduced toxicity ^ Beneficial to indoor air quality ^ Water-conserving ^ Recycled-content ^ Minimized waste Benefits This policy will: ^ Allow the city to complete another best practice through the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. ^ Put us ahead of the current state requirement of purchasing paper with 10% post- consumer recycled content. ^ Provide cost savings via reduced energy costs over the life of the product when purchasing Energy Star models. Some products (i.e. televisions) use as much as 40% less electricity than standard models. ^ Have almost no effect on current practices because we already purchase all of our paper with 30% recycled content. N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\06-O1-2011\EPP Policy.docx