There are various definitions of “green” products used today, often depending on the supplier’s definition, and with varying “shades of green”. Procurement Services uses the following criteria to define a “green” product.
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Easily reused (either whole or through disassembly)
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Made using natural and/or renewable resources
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Contains recycled content (post-consumer and/or post-industrial)
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Readily recycled (preferably in a closed-loop recycling system)
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Biodegradable
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Does not contain highly toxic compounds, and their production does not result in highly toxic by-products
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Does not contain chlorofluorocarbons, hydro chlorofluorocarbons or other ozone depleting substances Promote good indoor air quality (typically through reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds and/or formaldehyde)
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Energy efficient
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Durable with low maintenance requirements
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Low "embodied energy" (energy required to produce/transport material)