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Commission adopts green procurement policy to guide county purchases and waste reduction
Summary
The board approved a new sustainable procurement policy directing departments to prioritize durable, reusable, locally sourced and environmentally certified products; the policy also establishes an ad hoc zero-waste committee and staff training requirements.
The Alachua County Commission on Sept. 23 adopted a sustainable procurement policy directing county departments to prioritize waste reduction, purchases of durable and certified sustainable products, reuse and recycling, and resource efficiency.
Policy highlights: The policy establishes five guiding principles of circular-economy purchasing (local sourcing, job growth, upstream solutions, climate mitigation and sustainability), commits departments to prioritize waste prevention at the point of purchase, and creates an ad hoc zero-waste committee to provide guidance and training. The policy also encourages use of remanufactured goods, product take-back programs and energy- and water-efficient equipment.
Board action: Commissioner Anna Prizia moved approval with three additions suggested during discussion: (1) recognize a third-party food procurement certification (GFPP) for food purchases; (2) add language encouraging purchases from locally owned businesses where feasible; and (3) include a communications element to publicize sustainable procurement at county events. The motion and friendly amendments were adopted unanimously.
Ending: Staff will implement the policy with training for buyers, a committee to review complex procurements, and follow-up reporting to the commission.
