On September 16, 2008, the City of Richmond became a signatory to the Urban Environmental Accords, a global movement of over 100 cities to pursue actions toward becoming more "ecologically sustainable, economically dynamic, and socially equitable." The City of Richmond is committed to implementing environmentally sound business practices and providing community leadership in environmental sustainability.

Every one of the City's purchasing choices results in environmental impacts from the manufacture, delivery, use, and disposal of products.

What is Environmentally Preferable Purchasing?
Environmentally preferable purchasing is the practice of purchasing products and services that have a reduced effect on human health. Such products or services may include, but are not limited to, those which:

• Are durable and long-lasting,
• Conserve energy or water,
• Contain recycled content.
• Minimize toxins, pollution, and hazards to workers and the community,
• Minimize waste, and
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The City of Richmond aims to exercise its purchasing power to influence suppliers to become more environmentally-focused in the products, materials, and services they provide.

Richmond's New Purchasing Policy
The City has adopted an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy to direct the City's effort in procuring environmentally preferable products, materials, and services. In many departments, City employees are already making environmentally preferable purchasing choices, such as purchasing recycled content paper, energy efficient appliances, green cleaning products, and even a fuel-efficient motorcycle fleet for the Richmond Police Department. Learn more about the Richmond PD motorcycle purchase in the RPD Update.

Civic Center is LEED gold certified. Many environmentally preferable purchasing decisions went into the construction and planned maintenance of this complex. To learn more about these green practices, visit the Green Civic Center website.

Download the City Purchasing Policy
View the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy.