Sustainable Procurement Solutions for Federal and State Agencies

Building a Greener Government Through Smart Procurement

As sustainability takes center stage across industries, federal and state agencies are under increasing pressure to lead by example. Green procurement—also known as sustainable or environmentally preferable purchasing—is no longer a niche initiative. It’s a mandated and mission-critical effort to reduce environmental impact, comply with executive orders, and set the standard for sustainable operations.

From office technology to facility management and document workflows, government buyers are prioritizing eco-conscious solutions. Fortunately, advances in printing technology and digital transformation now make implementing green procurement practices easier—and more cost-effective—than ever.

At SumnerOne, we’re proud to support agencies in their journey toward environmental responsibility with sustainable print technologies, managed services, and workflow solutions.

What Is Green Procurement?

Green procurement refers to acquiring products and services that have a reduced impact on human health and the environment compared to competing options. This includes:

• Products made from recycled or renewable materials
• Energy-efficient devices and ENERGY STAR® certified equipment
• Non-toxic, low-emission products
• Solutions that minimize waste, conserve water, or reduce greenhouse gases
• Vendors that prioritize sustainability in operations and supply chains
  

In the printing and imaging space, green procurement might involve selecting devices that use less energy, offering duplex printing as a default, using biodegradable toner cartridges, or reducing paper waste through digital workflows.

Executive Orders & Federal Guidelines on Sustainability

Federal and state governments don’t just encourage green purchasing—they require it. Several executive orders and guidelines have established sustainability goals, including:

• EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program
  Offers guidelines for buying products with a reduced environmental impact.

• GSA Green Procurement Compilation
  Helps agencies identify compliant, sustainable products.

Agencies must now assess the lifecycle impact of equipment, from manufacturing and use to disposal. That makes vendor partnerships and product certifications more critical than ever.

Eco-Friendly Printing: A Win-Win for Agencies and the Planet

For many agencies, printing remains essential—but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of sustainability. Modernizing your print environment can significantly reduce energy use, paper consumption, and operational waste. Here’s how:

1. Choose Energy-Efficient Print Devices
   Look for printers and multifunction devices that meet ENERGY STAR® standards. These models are designed to use less power during active and sleep modes—without sacrificing performance.

2. Leverage Print Management Software
   Solutions like PaperCut help agencies track print activity, set rules to eliminate waste (e.g., forced duplex or black-and-white printing), and enforce secure print release to reduce abandoned jobs.

3. Implement Digital Workflows
   Digitizing forms, records, and communication reduces your reliance on hard copies. Tools like document management systems and secure cloud repositories streamline operations and support telework initiatives while minimizing your environmental footprint.

4. Recycle and Reuse Consumables
   Establish toner and ink cartridge recycling programs. Choose vendors, like SumnerOne, that offer sustainable supplies and help manage end-of-life product disposal.

Small Changes. Big Impact.

Sustainable procurement doesn’t have to mean a complete operational overhaul. Small changes—like upgrading to energy-efficient printers, automating manual processes, or eliminating wasteful printing—can add up to major environmental and financial benefits.

Let’s build a cleaner, more sustainable future—one procurement decision at a time. Contact SumnerOne today.