EPA to Expand Recommendations of Environmental Performance Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program recently launched the process to expand the Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. Interested sustainability standard and ecolabel organizations have until January 1, 2023, to apply to be assessed for potential inclusion. EPA will host a webinar for interested applicants on November 15 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Register now.

Who should apply?

EPA is seeking to assess multi-attribute standards and ecolabels that recognize environmental performance leadership and support federal goals and mandates regarding climate, safer chemicals, or other sustainable acquisition priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration (e.g., net-zero emissions, low embodied carbon construction materials, and the restriction or elimination of per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products). EPA is particularly interested in assessing standards and ecolabels in the following sectors:

• Building/Construction
• Infrastructure
• Landscaping
• Food and cafeteria services
• Uniforms/Clothing
• Professional services
• Laboratories and healthcare

Additionally, organizations that manage standards or ecolabels that address purchase categories already included in the Recommendations are welcome to submit an application. View the current purchase categories here.

Why should you apply?

EPA’s Recommendations leverage private sector environmental performance standards and ecolabels to help meet various Federal sustainable purchasing goals and mandates. President Biden’s Executive Order 14057 on Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability and the accompanying Federal Sustainability Plan identify the Recommendations as a key tool in helping to meet the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions from federal procurement by 2050 and in identifying products that do not contain PFAS.

How to apply?

1. Applicants can learn more about the Framework for the Assessment of Environmental Performance Standards and Ecolabels. The Framework will be used to assess all eligible applicants.
2. Submit responses to the scoping questions to [email protected] by January 1, 2023. The scoping questions will be used by EPA to determine eligibility and scope of the assessment.
   
   

Learn more:

• Additional information on the Framework and how to apply
• Register for the November 15 webinar
• View the Federal Register Notice