Sustainable Purchasing

Sustainable purchasing practices demonstrate the county’s commitment to reducing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of its purchases. Purchasing contracts and supplies include office supplies, janitorial supplies, construction materials, energy purchasing, disposal services, and more. This includes the pursuit of opportunities to incorporate more sustainable purchasing practices through contracting language, vendor requirements and services, as well as requiring environmental certification and product transparency.

Vendor Sustainability Practices

Service contracts with Allegheny County require vendor support and expertise in reducing packaging, deliveries, and increasing the amount of materials that are recycled. Reducing and combining deliveries reduces greenhouse gas emissions from unnecessary vehicle trips. Reducing packaging and recycling materials like plastic and cardboard, prevents material from filling up landfills and gives items the opportunity for a second life. This covers traditional recyclables as well as proper disposal of electronics and hazardous materials, which reduces environmental contamination of water and soil.

All contracted vendors are required to complete a sustainability profile, outlining the company’s environmental sustainability related initiatives and programs, including internal waste reduction plans, strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and internal sustainable purchasing practices. As sustainable practices are becoming integral to business resilience, the Allegheny County has an invested interest in aligning with vendors that prioritize a commitment to sustainability.

Sustainable Product Standards

As the market for sustainable materials grows, the county is setting product standards for everyday purchases as well as building upgrades and renovations. This includes office supplies, food service ware, lighting, plumbing fixtures, wood products, flooring, and HVAC equipment.

Office Supplies

  • The county strives to replace disposable products with reusable and/or recyclable products; support companies that focus on reducing consumption and/or meets third party certification standards
  • The county’s office supply contract addresses a request for a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content in office paper and offers an FSC certified office paper from a minority owned company
  • The office contract also prioritizes a preference for more sustainable options for all office products
  • Requires a take-back program for recycling ink and toner cartridges
  • Office supply companies are asked to work to decrease the number of deliveries to reduce vehicle emissions

Food Service Ware

  • The Parks Department has eliminated the use of Styrofoam and plastic straws at all park concessions
  • Work has begun to eliminate Styrofoam and reduce single use plastic at other county facilities, like the Allegheny County Jail and Kane Community Living Centers
  • The Department of Sustainability supports departments that aim to reduce the use of single use items and help with reallocation of unused items

Building Materials

  • Energy efficient LED lighting is used for replacement during interior and exterior lighting projects
  • The installation of more efficient HVAC equipment for replacement and renovations
  • The use of WaterSense certified and other efficient water fixtures for replacement and renovations, including and not limited to, low-flow faucets and showerheads, aerators, high performance toilets and urinals
  • The county is working towards creating standards for wood products to meet the Forest Stewardship Council Certification

Computer Equipment and Other Electronics

  • New computers, monitors, and imaging equipment purchased meet EPA’s Energy Star standards when available
  • New electronics equipment meets at least Bronze level when assessed by EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool)

Fleet Transition

  • The county is transitioning to alternative fuel vehicles, like electric and propane when available, when vehicles need to be replaced

Recycling and Proper Disposal

  • The county provides bins for employees to sort paper, plastics, metals, and carboard for recycling in county owned facilities
  • Scrap metals from all county operations are transported to a scrap recycling facility
  • All electronics past there useful life and all hazardous materials are sent to appropriate facilities for recycling or proper disposal
  • During new construction and remodeling of county-owned spaces, the county seeks out opportunities to recycle all materials where markets for recycling exist

Green Cleaning Program

Allegheny County has implemented a Green Cleaning Program for in-house janitorial services at county-owned facilities. Cleaning products can contain harsh ingredients that may cause anything from mild skin irritation, inflammation of the lungs and skin, or cancer in extreme cases. These ingredients can also be harmful to wildlife and contaminate water systems. This program is meant to provide a safer and healthier workplace for custodians and employees alike while lessening environmental impact.

To be part of the county’s comprehensive Green Cleaning Program, a cleaning product must have an ingredient disclosure form for all ingredients and meet one or more of the following requirements:

  • Receive a third-party eco-certification such as: EcoLogo, Green Seal, or EPA Safer Choice
  • Not contain any ingredients that can be found on a Restricted Substance List or Designated List
  • All ingredients should be designated as EPA Green Circle: Low Hazard

Exceptions are made for disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and specialty cleaning needs.

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