As prescribed in 1523.703-1, insert the following provision or language substantially the same as the provision in solicitations for meetings and conference services.
EPA Green Meetings and Conferences (MAY 2007)
(a) The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment. We expect that all Agency meetings and conferences will be staged using as many environmentally preferable measures as possible. Environmentally preferable means products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.
(b) As a potential meeting or conference provider for EPA, we require information about environmentally preferable features and practices your facility will have in place for the EPA event described in the solicitation.
(c) The following list is provided to assist you in identifying environmentally preferable measures and practices used by your facility. More information about EPA's Green Meetings initiative may be found on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/greenmeetings/. Information about EPA voluntary partnerships may be found at http://www.epa.gov/partners/index.htm.
(1) Do you have a recycling program? If so, please describe.
(2) Do you have a linen/towel reuse option that is communicated to guests?
(3) Do guests have easy access to public transportation or shuttle services at your facility?
(4) Are lights and air conditioning turned off when rooms are not in use? If so, how do you ensure this?
(5) Do you provide bulk dispensers or reusable containers for beverages, food and condiments?
(6) Do you provide reusable serving utensils, napkins and tablecloths when food and beverages are served?
(7) Do you have an energy efficiency program? Please describe.
(8) Do you have a water conservation program? Please describe.
(9) Does your facility provide guests with paperless check-in & check-out?
(10) Does your facility use recycled or recyclable products? Please describe.
(11) Do you source food from local growers or take into account the growing practices of farmers that provide the food? Please describe.
(12) Do you use biobased or biodegradable products, including biobased cafeteriaware? Please describe.
(13) Do you provide training to your employees on these green initiatives? Please describe.
(14) What other environmental initiatives have you undertaken, including any environment-related certifications you possess, EPA voluntary partnerships in which you participate, support of a green suppliers network, or other initiatives? Include “Green Meeting” information in your quotation so that we may consider environmental preferability in selection of our meeting venue.
(End of provision)
