What is Buying Green?

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) is the procurement of goods and services that have a reduced impact on human health and the environment as compared to other goods and services serving the same purpose (Public Contract Code §12400-12404). In simple terms, EPP means “buying green.” The law also states that the Department of General Services (DGS) is to provide state agencies with information and assistance regarding EPP. In response, DGS developed a best practices manual - the Buying Green Guide. This guide provides information, tools and tips for buyers and provides insight to suppliers on how the state views green products and businesses.

Announcements

For the State Buyer: How to Buy Green Step by Step Instructions

Learn how to purchase the State of California environmentally preferable way. EPP has published a comprehensive step by step guide that provides detailed instructions for state buyers on How to Buy Green and How to Record Green Purchases in FI$Cal.

FI$Cal Job Aids

Release of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan

The final version of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan, reflecting input provided by various stakeholders in May to July 2016, has been released. It was developed in response to Governor Brown’s Executive Order B-32-15 and prepared by a collaboration of several state agencies. The action plan establishes strategies to meet State sustainability targets and moves California’s freight system towards a more efficient future.

To view the plan, please visit:http://www.casustainablefreight.org.

SPLC Outstanding Case Study Award

The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council awarded the State of California an Outstanding Case Study Award for Integrating Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) into California’s eProcurement Process. The implementation of a new EPP module into FI$Cal enables agencies across the state to consider EPP as an integral part within their procurement process. EPP integration in FI$Cal also promotes California’s transparency, its commitment to “buy green”, and market innovation in the way California’s government conducts its procurement processes.

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The Buying Green Guide

Enter the Buying Green Guide for either Buyers or Suppliers by clicking the appropriate button above.

The guide provides state buyers and suppliers with a single source of up-to-date green contracts, DGS purchasing standards, bid specifications, and buying tips.

EPP Questions Answered

View our Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information, contact:
buygreen@dgs.ca.gov

Purchasing Standards

Buy Green with DGS Purchasing Standards!

Find Purchasing Standards

FI$Cal Job Aids

Learn how to Buy Green in FI$Cal. Access procedures, a job aid, and a quick reference guide to the EPP fields.

FI$Cal Job Aids