Government of Canada: Difference between revisions

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    The '''Government of Canada''' is one [[institution]] that has taken some specific steps to define its [[institutional buying criteria]] under the general label '''Green Procurement''' (''is this used elsewhere?'').  Efforts include:
    The '''Government of Canada''' is one [[institution]] that has taken some specific steps to define its [[institutional buying criteria]] under the general label '''Green Procurement''' (''is this used elsewhere?'') and '''Greening Government'''.  Efforts include:


    *''[http://www.greeninggovernment.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=9697C298-11 GreeningGovernment.GC.CA]'' overall strategy
    *[[Public Works and Government Service Canada]] - [http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb cgsb] which also does [[ISO 14001]] certification for other agencies - [[green leasing]] and [[green citizenship]] programs including such things as [[vermiculture]] for [[trash]] - see [http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/sd-env/pdf/performance-report-00-01-e.pdf detailed PDF report] which reports
    *[[Public Works and Government Service Canada]] - [http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb cgsb] which also does [[ISO 14001]] certification for other agencies - [[green leasing]] and [[green citizenship]] programs including such things as [[vermiculture]] for [[trash]] - see [http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/sd-env/pdf/performance-report-00-01-e.pdf detailed PDF report] which reports
    **[[office chair]]s including [[reduced gas emission]], [[off-gassing]], [[waste minimizing]], [[packaging requirements]]
    **[[office chair]]s including [[reduced gas emission]], [[off-gassing]], [[waste minimizing]], [[packaging requirements]]
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    ''are these [[essential projects]]?  governments often set buying standards''
    ''are these [[essential projects]]?  governments often set buying standards''
    In addition, agencies commit to specific [[sustainable development]] goals, e.g. the [[Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency]] [http://www.acoa.ca/e/sustain/role.shtml list of commitments to SD] and [http://www.acoa.ca/e/sustain/2004/sust2004.shtml phased plans such as their Sustainable Development Strategy III] ''which may be useful as a template for other government agencies.''
    It and other regional Canadian agencies offer more specific resources and help than the GC.CA does, for instance [http://www.acoa.ca/e/library/reports/eco.shtml listing benefits of] [[eco-efficiency]] for private business:
    **Reduced inefficiencies and waste
    **Lower operating costs or increased revenue
    **Improved quality
    **Better customer, staff and supplier relations
    **Enhanced business image
    **Reduced environmental liabilities
    **Improved regulatory compliance
    **Continuous improvement of processes and practices
    **Improved workplace safety and employee health
    **Improved bottom line
    **Reduced environmental impact
    and seven (more specific than the overall GC.CA) ways to do so:
    **Reduce the amount of material required in the production of your goods and services.
    **Reduce the amount of energy required in the production and delivery of your goods and services.
    **Reduce toxic emissions.
    **Design your products to be recyclable.
    **Maximize the use of renewable resources in the production and delivery of your products and services.
    **Design products that are durable and easier to repair.
    **Design products that serve multiple purposes and that can be easily upgraded.
    === references ===
    *[http://www.acoa.ca/e/sustain/tools.shtml ACOA library - tools for sustainable development] - an excellent list