Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

A park with a river and some grassland

Advancing Sustainable Purchasing in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Procurement Division supports sustainable purchasing through its Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program. The program helps state agencies, municipalities, political subdivisions, and nonprofits use the state’s buying power to choose products and services that are better for the environment.

This page is designed to serve as a resource for municipalities and other organizations interested in developing their own EPP programs. It includes the State of Connecticut’s EPP policy, examples of municipal EPP plans, and helpful links to guide you as you get started.

The goal of the EPP Program is to reduce environmental impacts, protect human health, and save money over a product’s life cycle by selecting options with a smaller ecological footprint.

Sustainable purchases are products or services that have a reduced impact on human health, the environment, and society when compared to similar alternatives.

EPP Program Policies and Resources

The following resources can assist Connecticut’s state agencies and municipalities in complying with state laws, public acts, and executive orders.

EPP Policy Templates

Use these templates as a starting point for creating an EPP program in your agency or municipality.

Connecticut Programs

Federal Programs and Guidance

Other State and Municipal Programs

Other Resources

Standards, Eco-Certifications, and Performance Measurements for Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

When developing contracts or purchasing products, eco-certifications help ensure that sustainability claims are credible and trustworthy. These standards and certifications are verified by independent third-party organizations, providing unbiased confirmation that a product meets established environmental and performance criteria.

Measuring EPPs 

Switching to Environmentally Preferable Products (EPPs) can lead to significant environmental and financial benefits. The following tools can help you evaluate those impacts: 

  • View E3 Sustainability Tools (EPA.gov): EPA’s E3: Economy, Energy, and Environment has assembled several tools and resources to help address various areas of improvement. 
  • Explore Energy Star Calculators (EnergyStar.gov): ENERGY STAR offers a suite of calculators that estimate energy savings and payback periods for energy-efficient appliances and equipment. These tools help consumers and organizations make informed purchasing decisions. 
  • Visit Environmental Benefits Calculator (NERC.org): Developed by the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC), this tool estimates the environmental impact of waste management practices. It calculates benefits based on the amount of material reduced, reused, recycled, landfilled, or incinerated. It's ideal for public education, policy discussions, and program evaluation. 
  • Explore Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT.net): EPEAT helps buyers compare and select electronics—such as computers, monitors, and tablets—based on their environmental performance. It was developed through a collaborative process led by the nonprofit Zero Waste Alliance and is widely utilized in both the public and private sectors. 
  • View Hybrid Calculator (FuelEconomy.gov): This calculator compares the lifetime costs of hybrid and conventional vehicles. It includes purchase price, fuel efficiency, maintenance, resale value, and tax incentives to help users determine the most cost-effective and eco-friendly option. 

Frequently Asked Questions

While state agencies use the State of Connecticut’s waste hauling contract for standard trash and many recycling services, the contracted vendors maybe unable to meet the unique requirements associated with composting and food waste recycling services.

To support food waste diversion efforts and align with Executive Order 21-3, which directs state agencies to reduce waste and advance sustainable materials management, and C.G.S Section 22a-226e, agencies may contract directly with qualified vendors that offer specialty food waste diversion or composting services.

Agencies may use General Letter 71 to procure these services when suitable composting or food waste recycling servicesare not otherwise available under existing state contracts. This approach is intended as an interim measure until the state’s waste hauling contract can be updated to include food waste recycling and composting services. This current flexibility allows agencies to expand diversion and recycling efforts, reduce landfill disposal, and support Connecticut’s broader sustainability and climate goals.

Resources:

Agencies may use General Letter 71 (GL-71) to contract directly for specialty food waste diversion or composting services when those services are not available through the state’s waste hauling contract. To do so:

  • Confirm eligibility: Verify that the required service (e.g., composting or food waste hauling) is not available through the existing state waste hauling contract.

  • Identify a qualified vendor: Select a vendor that specializes in food waste diversion or composting services and meets all applicable state requirements.

  • Follow GL-71 procedures: Use the General Letter 71 process to obtain quotes and ensure fair and reasonable pricing.

  • Document the justification: Maintain documentation showing why GL-71 is being used, including the unavailability of the service on the state contract and how the procurement supports waste reduction goals.

  • Ensure compliance with EO 21-3 and C.G.S. Section 22a-226e: Align the procurement with Executive Order 21-3 and C.G.S. Section 22a-226e by prioritizing waste reduction, diversion, and sustainable materials management.

  • Execute the contract: Complete contracting in accordance with DAS procurement rules and agency procedures.

  • Track and report results: Monitor food waste diversion outcomes to support sustainability reporting and continuous improvement.

During the bid evaluation process, procurement specialists review each submission to ensure it meets the minimum Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) specifications outlined in the solicitation. Verification may include checking third-party certifications, certification databases, and other publicly available documentation to confirm that products and services meet required environmental standards.
State agencies, counties, and municipalities identify the need for products and services, and the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) works with them to meet those needs—ideally through environmentally preferable options.

If you want to offer an environmentally preferable product or service, you should obtain recognition from a reputable third-party environmental certification, as DAS does not endorse or maintain its own list of EPP products.
The State of Connecticut includes environmental and efficiency requirements in its Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) to ensure sustainable purchasing. These specifications—guided by state laws and administrative policies—focus on areas such as recycled or recyclable content, reduced toxicity and pollution, and improved energy efficiency.

Environmentally preferable products are items that have a lower impact on the environment and human health compared to other products that serve the same purpose. They are often more efficient, longer-lasting, made with safer raw materials, and designed to be recycled, reused, or safely disposed of. These products typically use eco-friendly packaging and are manufactured in ways that protect both workers and the environment.

Eco-labels and marketplace standards can help consumers identify how environmentally friendly a product truly is.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) is a program that helps the State of Connecticut make more sustainable purchasing decisions. It uses eco-labels and marketplace performance standards to select products and services that reduce environmental impacts, protect human health, and offer long-term cost savings. The program also promotes innovation and healthy competition among suppliers by encouraging the development of environmentally responsible products.