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Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
	What is Environmentally Preferable Purchasing? Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) focuses on the human health and environmental impact of goods and products purchased by selecting products that are more environmentally preferable to others. This environmental purchasing program takes into account several factors, such as waste production, energy and water use, greenhouse gas emissions, indoor air quality, recycled and reused content and the presence of hazardous substances. EPP compliments Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's vision for a sustainable City, "PlaNYC." Click here to be taken to PlaNYC Click here to download a copy of the EPP rules

	What is covered? In general, the scope of the EPP program includes all goods and construction products not covered by the Green Buildings Law (Local Law 86 of 2005) for new construction, additions or renovations. In some instances the standards for EPP and Green Buildings will apply to the same project.

	Why is EPP important? The City’s population growth is inevitable, and with that growth comes an increased demand on resources, such as water and energy. Increased demand impacts the surrounding environment e.g. an increase in vehicles and power consumption will result in greater emissions into the air we breathe. EPP is important to everyone, and the City is leading by example.

	What does EPP mean to Vendors? Over time, the number of products subject to the City’s EPP standards will grow. Vendors are encouraged to notify the City of thier environmentally preferable products when responding to solicitations or on existing contracts.

	The EPP Laws: Local Law 118 of 2005: Created a Director of Citywide Environmental Purchasing, to establish new purchasing standards according to a list of environmental priorities, update legislated standards and submit an annual report on the City’s environmental purchasing. The Director of MOCS has been named the Director of Citywide Purchasing. Local Law 119 of 2005: Established energy and water efficiency minimum standards for products purchased by the City, and revised the current practices of using energy-efficient products. Local Law 120 of 2005: Established standards for procuring products containing hazardous materials. The City must also develop a plan for the reuse or recycling of electronic goods, as well as develop rules to reduce the amount of hazardous materials produced from the use of goods purchased by the City. Local Law 121 of 2005: Established minimum recycled content standards for a wide range of goods set by the Federal Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines and revised the current practices of printers and copiers to print double-sided by default. Local Law 123 of 2005: The City will develop pilot program to assess the feasibility of green cleaning and implement a Citywide program in 2009.

	Making Progress with EPP. What's been accomplished and what's on the horizon:

	Completed Established a Director of Citywide Environmental Procurement. Establised new purchasing standards. Established environmental purchasing officers for each Mayoral agency. Promulgated internal rules on enabling energy-saving features on computers, printers, facsimile and photocopy machines owned or leased by the City. Activate energy saving features on all computers, printers, facsimile machines and photocopy machines owned or leased by the City. Reduce paper waste by configuring all applicable printers and copy machines to print double-sided by default.

	On the Horizon - Future EPP Efforts: Issue annual report on the City’s environmental purchasing. Research and report on the environmental effect of road de-icing products and the potential for reducing use. Promulgate rules to reduce the purchase or lease of materials whose combustion may form dioxin or dioxin-like compounds.