EMPLOYEE OUTREACH AND PURCHASING
Sustainable or "green" purchasing is the purchase of products and services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to other products and services that serve the same purpose. Sustainable purchasing, however, not only protects the environment; it also protects human health, conserves financial resources, and improves the overall quality of Waukesha County purchases. The benefits of sustainable purchasing include improved ability to meet existing environmental goals, improved community and worker safety and health, reduced liabilities, and reduced disposal costs.
Objective: Develop a Sustainable Purchasing Program Tailored to LEED Existing Building Certification
Implement a Sustainable Purchasing Program (SPP) specific to those policies, products and services lines that will earn the required points toward a LEED – Existing Building, Operation and Maintenance Certification. Participate with the Department of Public Works in selecting and documenting the performance of a pilot building or complex.
Performance Measure
Implement LEED-EB O&M required sustainable purchasing policies, programs and measurement tools and compile at least three-months of relevant purchasing data by the end of 2010 for the selected building.
Objective: Develop a Sustainable Purchasing Program
Develop a Sustainable Purchasing Program (SPP) to purchase recycled content products, energy-efficient products and renewable energy technologies, alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fuels, bio-based products, environmentally preferable products and services (example: low-volatile organic content products), and non-ozone depleting substances.
Performance Measure
Program implementation by the end of 2009 with the ability to report SPP performance in relation to purchasing objectives and targets for calendar year 2010.
Employees
The day-to-day activities and choices of employees have a significant impact on the amount of resources used by an organization. The benefits of using resources wisely and reducing waste at work go beyond helping the environment. Reducing waste also cuts costs, improves efficiency and boosts public image. Education of and input from employees will be critical to the success of the Sustainability Plan.
Objective: Educate Employees for Sustainability in the Workplace
Develop and implement educational tools and training for employees to provide resources and opportunities for input on ways to improve the sustainability of operations in their office or department.
Objective: Reduce Office Paper Use
Performance Measure
Compare amount of paper purchased by department before and after implementation of paper reduction program.
Objective: Conserve Employee’s Use of Energy and Water
Performance Measure
Compare the gross annual electrical and water consumption rates before and after implementation of the employee education program.
Objective: Research and Promote Alternate Modes of Transportation for Employees
Performance Measure
Use GIS technology to assist in measuring miles traveled, gasoline / oil used before and after initiatives. Utilize websites that measure the amount of air pollution per automobile and measure the amount avoided due to alternate work/travel methods.
