Purchasing

Sustainable purchasing involves buying products and services that deliver value for money on a whole life basis. Purchasing such goods and services should also benefit the organisation, society and the economy whilst minimising environmental damage.

What makes a product green?

Green products are made or operate in a way that:

  • Uses fewer natural resources;
  • Contains fewer hazardous or toxic materials;
  • Has a longer life span;
  • Consumes less energy or water in production or use;
  • Can be reused or recycled on disposal;
  • Generates less waste, for example be made from recycled materials, use less packaging or be recycled by the supplier;

Top tips

Here are ten top tips for green purchasing(pdf, 23KB) and also some quick wins to get you started:

  • Buy or lease energy efficient IT equipment (computers, printers, photocopiers) and white goods (fridges, freezers, washing machines) that meet Energy Star requirements.
  • Buy printer cartridges that can be recycled, refilled or taken back by suppliers.
  • Replace lighting with energy efficient light bulbs and tubes.
  • Purchase water-based solvent free adhesives, correction fluids, marker pens and highlighters.
  • Purchase detergents and cleaning products that are biodegradable and 100% phosphate free.
  • Purchase 100% recycled paper and avoid post-it notes and paper that has used chlorine during the bleaching process.
  • Consider purchasing second hand or refurbished goods where possible.
  • Have a stationery amnesty at school with staff and pupils – any products that are not in use can be returned to the stationery cupboard and used by others.
  • Buy Fairtrade: a wide range of products are now available from tea, coffee and sugar to footballs!

Useful links

To help schools learn more about sustainable procurement and find out how to develop green purchasing policies, a series of free workshops were held for governors and bursars.