Environmental PurchasingKing County's Environmental Purchasing Policy reflects a long-term commitment to the purchase of environmentally preferable products. The King County Environmental Purchasing Program provides county personnel with information and technical assistance to help them identify, evaluate, and purchase economical and effective environmentally preferable products and services. Environmentally preferable procurement considers multiple product attributes, such as toxicity, durability, emissions, recycled content and conservation of resources, in addition to price, performance and availability. In 2011, King County agencies purchased $60 million worth of environmentally preferable products, saving $1.54 million compared to the cost of conventional products. The savings are typically found in reduced initial purchase cost and avoided replacement cost due to durability. Oftentimes, there are even more savings through less maintenance, reduced energy and water use, or reduced greenhouse-gas emissions.
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Electronics Recycling |
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Electric Vehicles |
 Many county agencies have upgraded their facilities to more energy efficient fluorescent lamps and lighting controls and installed LED's (like the one in the photo) to increase energy efficiency. |
 In 2011, King County became just the second county in the nation to earn the "e-Stewards Enterprise" designation from the Basel Action Network's (BAN) standard for responsible recycling and reuse of electronic equipment. |
 In 2011, King County DOT purchased 25 electric vehicles and installed 36 electric vehicle charging stations at various locations. The County plans to install more charging stations and continue to collaborate with regional partners to promote this emerging technology. |
If you have questions or comments, contact the Environmental Purchasing Program at 206-263-9294 or e-mail epp@kingcounty.gov.
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