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 | |||