Environmental Purchasing

Environmental purchasing is the purchase of products and services that have a minimal or reduced environment and human health impact. In addition to improved environmental performance, many environmentally prefered products work as well or better than traditional products and can even save money.

When we buy a product, we rarely think about the stages of that product’s life cycle- where did the raw materials come from? How was it processed and produced? What impacts does its use have on the environment? And where does it go when we’re done with it?

ECU recognises the impact office equipment has on the environment and strives to purchase products that take into account environmental considerations. For example:

• We purchase only recycled content paper throughout the University.
• Environmental considerations are included, when appropriate, in tenders for the supply of goods to the University
• We have a list of preferred suppliers to make sure that they provide us with products that meet our environmental requirements
• Our toner cartridge suppliers will pick up and recycle used printer cartridges and use them to make a range of useful products
• We encourage our suppliers to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging
• We are working with the University's Stationery Supplier to deliver a package of environmentally friendly products which can be purchased at no extra cost than other products and to devise and deliver strategies to promote these products across the University.
• Staff are encouraged to purchase Energy Star rated office equipment

If you have any queries about Environmental Purchasing at ECU, please contact the Environment Officer at environment@ecu.edu.au