The Authority has implemented a Green Purchasing Program. The program involves procurement decisions that factor environmental, social and economic attributes in determining the “best value” for products and/or services.

Examples of the benefits of Green Purchasing include:

• Reduced waste and associated costs
• Improved efficiencies and reduced operating costs
• Improved indoor and outdoor air quality
• Improved employee health
• Reduced pollution of all kinds
• Improved quality and sustainability of natural resources
• New markets and improved access to better products

MARTA Contract boilerplates have been revised to include Green purchasing language. The additional language includes:

1. A defined Environmental Purchasing Policy (See ATTACHMENT A)
2. A request for the bidder to identify the level of recycled content and products made with recycled materials (See ATTACHMENT B)
3. A request that vendors submit bids/proposals in a double-sided format (See ATTACHMENT B)

ATTACHMENT A

ENVIRONMENTAL PURCHASING POLICY 

The Authority desires to use environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) criteria when making purchases for commodities and services.  Environmentally preferable purchasing refers to securing products that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose.  These products minimize the consumption of resources, energy and water; prevent the creation of solid waste, air pollution or water pollution; minimize the use of materials or processes which compromise the environment; and/or promote the use of non-toxic substances and avoid toxic materials or processes.

Twelve basic categories are used to provide guidance as to what constitutes an environmentally preferable product.  These categories include:

• Alternative Energy Source
• Bio-Based
• Biodegradable
• Compostable
• High Recycled Content
• Low Toxicity
• Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
• Pollution (air, water, solid waste) Reduction
• Recyclable
• Repairable
• Resource Efficient (water conserving and/or energy efficient)
• Reusable

ATTACHMENT B

In an effort to promote greater use of recycled and environmentally preferable products and minimize waste, all Bids submitted should comply with the following guidelines: 

All copies should be printed double-sided.

       (1) All submittals and copies should be printed on recycled paper with a minimum post-consumer content of 30% or on tree-free paper (i.e., paper made from raw materials other than trees, such as kenaf).  All Bids should note the level of recycled content contained in the paper being used.

      (2) Unless absolutely necessary, all Bids and copies should minimize or eliminate the use of non-recyclable or non-reusable materials, such as plastic report covers, plastic dividers, vinyl sleeves and GBC binding.  Three-ringed binders, glued materials, paper clips and staples are acceptable.

      (3) Bidders should submit materials in a format that allows for easy removal and recycling of paper materials.

      (4) Bidders are encouraged to use other products that contain recycled content in their bid documents.  Such products may include, but are not limited to, folders, binders, paper clips, discs, envelopes, boxes, etc.  Where appropriate, Bidders may wish to note which products in their Bids are made with recycled materials.

      (5) Unnecessary samples, attachments or documents not specifically asked for should not be submitted with the Bids.