HomeMy WebLinkAboutPolicy-Sustainable Purchasing 05222026
Sustainable Purchasing Policy
Town of Lexington
Background:
The Town of Lexington recognizes that procurement decisions of our employees and contractors
have significant impacts on the environment. By including environmental, public health, and
waste reduction considerations in our purchasing decisions, along with price, performance, and
product availability, we can remain fiscally responsible while promoting practices that minimize
waste and environmental impacts. The purpose of this document is to establish the framework
for a sustainability-based purchasing program for the Town of Lexington.
Purpose:
Objectives of this policy include making purchasing decisions that:
1. Minimize waste and prioritize reuse by identifying alternative options to new and single-
use products and equipment,
2. Support recycling markets by purchasing products with post-consumer recycled content,
and that are recyclable after use.
3. Conserve natural resources such as energy and water, and
4. Minimize environmental impacts from pollution, greenhouse gases and toxins/hazardous
products.
Policy Statement:
To meet the above goals, the Town of Lexington will, whenever feasible:
Purchase products and services offered through the Operational Services Division’s
Environmentally Preferable Products and Services Guide.
Prioritize donation and reuse before disposal of goods or equipment; and whenever
possible, utilize the State Surplus Property Program.
Adhere to Federal Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines, or other established criteria,
for minimum recycled content levels when purchasing office supplies.
Prioritize purchasing products that are durable, long lasting, reusable or refillable, and
avoid purchasing single use products.
The Town of Lexington is committed to sustainable purchasing and empowers employees to be
innovative and demonstrate leadership by considering environmental and public health benefits
when making purchasing decisions.
Town Policy and State Law
It is the intent of this policy to complement existing Town and State laws and policies. When such laws
or policies are updated to accommodate a more rigorous standard, the policy shall likewise adopt those
standards.
Policy Review:
The Sustainability & Resilience Officer, in coordination with the Procurement Officer, shall be
responsible for periodically evaluating the policy to determine if any changes or updates should be
incorporated to better align the policy with other Town efforts or policies. A policy review shall be
completed within two (2) years of its effective date, and then at least every three (3) years after the initial
review.
Effective Date:
This policy shall take effect upon adoption by the Lexington Select Board.
This Sustainable Procurement Policy is hereby adopted and approved by:
Signature Date