Climate Change

Government agencies are encouraged to take into account climate change factors in relevant purchases.

Energy Conservation and Greenhouse Emissions

Government agencies must give consideration to goods with the following attributes and options, so long as they represent value for money, are of appropriate quality and functionality, and there are no technical reasons for not doing so:

• energy efficient goods and mechanical services, including vehicles;
• goods manufactured using energy efficient practices and processes which will contribute to minimal greenhouse gas emissions;
• goods which will contribute to minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation;
• video or telephone conferencing as an alternative to vehicle and air travel; and
• 'green power' (energy sourced from renewable sources).

Ozone Depleting Substances

Government agencies must not purchase goods known to involve the use of ozone depleting substances (as defined in the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995), either as a refrigerant or in the production of insulating foams, unless no practical alternatives are available. Agencies must seek information from suppliers on whether the products offered involve the use of ozone depleting substances.

Waste

Government agencies must give consideration to goods with the following attributes, so long as they represent value for money, are of appropriate quality and functionality, and there are no technical reasons for not doing so:

• recycled/recyclable goods with recycled composition or components;
• reclaimed materials eg crushed concrete aggregate;
• goods which have less packaging than alternatives;
• goods with a take-back scheme at end-of-life;
• goods which guarantee longevity or are reusable; and
• equipment that can use consumables made from recycled/recyclable materials.

Water Efficiency and Quality

Agencies must give consideration to goods with the following attributes, so long as they represent value for money, are of appropriate quality and functionality, and there are no technical reasons for not doing so:

• water efficient goods;
• goods manufactured with water efficient practices and processes that do not contribute to water pollution; and
• goods manufactured with water efficient practices and processes that do not contribute to decreased environmental flows.