Lib Dems to put environment at the heart of council procurement (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems to put environment at the heart of council procurement

May 9, 2008 3:14 PM

Liberal Democrats in York are putting forward ambitious plans to make sure the Council delivers services in the most environmentally sustainable way.

The Liberal Democrats are introducing a new sustainable procurement policy which will make sure that the Council not only buys the most cost effective goods and services, but does it in a way that minimises damage to the environment.

The new policy indicates that several key areas of Council activity present clear opportunities for improving efficiency, reducing environmental impacts and saving money. These include energy and water use, cleaning services, catering services, IT and construction projects. The Liberal Democrats will be committing the Council to transform its procurement procedures in these areas as well as others.

Examples of sustainable procurement may include providing fair trade and organic food in school meals; ensuring that vehicles have low emissions to improve air quality; using green energy to reduce carbon emissions; decreasing the amount of biodegradable waste and recyclable products going to landfill; and working with local suppliers to improve economic prosperity and encourage environmentally friendly and ethical work practices.

Lib Dem Executive Member for Corporate Services Cllr Ceredig Jamieson-Ball said, "We are determined that tackling climate change should be at the heart of everything the Council does. This bold move will ensure that whenever the Council needs to buy in services or goods the environmental costs of doing so will be as low as possible.

"We will be looking to reduce water usage, energy consumption and waste. We want to make sure that local producers and service providers have a chance to bid fairly for council contracts. And we want this to help stimulate the local economy and improve economic prosperity for local residents. The new policy marks a dramatic change from just buying the cheapest goods and services, to considering the whole life costing- including the ethical and environmental impact. It also reaffirms the commitment made by the Council four years ago to supporting the fair-trade movement."

The new policy is launched as York celebrates World Fair Trade Day on 10th May. The Liberal Democrat Executive will discuss the new policy at its meeting on 20th May.