Article
Specifying greener products
Using contracts to require products be certified to specific standards and that all other environmental claims must be independently verified can avoid confusion.
Requiring in contracts that products be certified to specific standards and that all other environmental claims must be independently verified can avoid confusion. Consider using specific contract language for the following product types:
- Cleaning products: "Products must be certified to the EcoLogo (CCD-146) or Green Seal (GS-37) standard."
- Computers: "Products must provide demonstrable proof of meeting the IEEE 1680 (EPEAT) standard."
- Copiers: "Products must be certified to the EcoLogo (CCD-035) standard."
- HVAC equipment: "Products must provide demonstrable proof of meeting the Energy Star standard."
- Recycled content: "Products must provide demonstrable proof of meeting the EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) postconsumer recycled content recommendations."
- Toilets: "Products must be certified to the WaterSense Final Specification for High Efficiency Toilets."
- Read the main story, "In search of green clarity," to learn how governments can begin to determine which environmentally-labelled products are legitimate.
Scot Case ([email protected]) works with Northbrook, Ill.-based UL Environment.
