Detailed guidance for environmentally sustainable outputs

Find model approaches and information about environmentally sustainable outputs.

Introduction

Environmentally sustainable outputs is one of three sustainable procurement objectives included in the Social Procurement Framework.

Corresponding sustainable outcomes

The Social Procurement Framework identifies two sustainable outcomes corresponding to this sustainable procurement objective:

  1. Project-specific requirements to use sustainable resources and to manage waste and pollution.
  2. Use of recycled content in construction.

These outcomes are addressed separately below.

Individual procurement activity requirements for government buyers (Table 3 of the Social Procurement Framework) recommends the following actions:

For individual procurement activities valued at or above $20 million (exclusive of GST), government buyers include requirements as relevant on recycled content, waste management and energy consumption.

Project-specific requirements to use sustainable resources and to manage waste and pollution

Benefits for Victorians

The sustainable use of resources has an important impact on Victoria by reducing waste. For example, the use of sustainable resources can reduce carbon emissions, use of virgin materials, transport costs and impacts, and energy and water use.

Appropriate management increases the recovery of resources, minimises illegal dumping and avoids undue stress on the environment.

Considering sustainability at the design and planning stages of a project maximises the opportunities to achieve positive outcomes in the most cost-effective way. Good design can often reduce the use of materials from the outset and improve other aspects of performance and reduce lifecycle costs.

Model approach for government buyers

The model approach to delivering this outcome involves 3 components:

  1. prior to going to market, complete an environmental impact risk assessment and environmentally sustainable design opportunities assessment for the proposed project in consultation with a suitably qualified environmental professional(s) with expertise in environmental impact assessment and environmentally sustainable design
  2. prepare information for suppliers on environmental impact risk areas identified from the assessment and include detailed environmental performance standards and specifications for suppliers to comply with (including, but not limited to, applicable regulatory standards). Performance may be specified as meeting a specific rating level(s) within nominated industry rating system(s)
  3. require suppliers to commit to developing, implementing and reporting against an environmental management plan and relevant environmental performance rating tool(s) for the project

Further information for buyers

Sustainable use of materials

Refer to Sustainability Victoria for further advice on sustainable use of materials.

Industry standards and rating systems

See further information provided in relation to Project-specific requirements to minimise greenhouse gas emissions about industry standards and rating systems.

Disposal of construction and demolition waste

The correct disposal of waste (end of life materials) from construction projects is important to minimise illegal dumping and avoid harm to the environment. Where a procurement involves construction and demolition, refer to the Environment Protection Authority’s Toolkit for the management of solid waste from civil and construction & demolition sites to ensure the correct management of waste.

Use of recycled content in construction

Benefits for Victorians

A significant opportunity exists to reduce demand on virgin resources by substituting them with alternative or recycled materials and without comprising performance.

Where virgin materials can be substituted, or complemented using alternative or recycled materials, and the resulting product is fit-for-purpose, the Victorian Government strongly recommends the use of those materials.

This approach not only frees up supply to meet demand where no substitute for extractive resources is available, but it also helps prevent stockpiles of recovered materials such as glass, plastics and rubber (tyres) that have the potential to impact the health, safety and environment of the Victorian community.

The use of recycled materials is a critical element of a circular economy. It creates demand, which will support a robust recycling industry and enable Victoria to use and reuse resources in a sustainable and cost-effective way.

Model approach for government buyers

The model approach to delivering this outcome involves 4 components:

  1. prior to going to market, complete an analysis in consultation with a suitably qualified professional of the materials likely to be required for use within a proposed construction and identify opportunities for use of recycled content
  2. establish appropriate minimum targets for the use of recycled content for the supplier response, for example in relation to specific materials
  3. prepare information for suppliers on opportunities for using recycled content based on the professional analysis and specify requirements for suppliers to provide detailed proposals within their written response in relation to recycled content to be sourced for and used in the project
  4. require suppliers to commit to developing, implementing and reporting against an environmental management plan which includes a specific focus on the use of recycled content.

The model approach to delivering this outcome involves two components, requiring suppliers to:

  • commit to targets for Environmentally sustainable outputs (note: the government buyer may select one or more cohorts or include all cohorts).
  • explain how they will identify Environmentally sustainable outputs.

Response schedules

The response schedules related to Environmentally sustainable outputs are available in the Social procurement toolkit.

Further information for buyers

Sustainability Victoria’s Buy Recycled Directory provides government buyers with easy access to information on suppliers and products containing recycled content when considering products for purchasing or infrastructure / construction projects. For further information on recycled content in construction, contact Sustainability Victoria: sustainability.vic.gov.au/Government/Sustainable-procurement

Tools and support

This content on this page is taken from the Social Procurement Framework – Buyer Guidance Guide to individual procurement activity requirements. Access a PDF version in the social procurement document library.

For more information about social procurement, please contact the Social Procurement team.

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