Engineering Services

Green purchasing guidance for engineering services includes:
  • Environmental
  • Civil
  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Software
  • Chemical
  • Aerospace
  • Structural
  • Industrial

Required specifications

Purchasers must include these specifications, unless not possible:

  • "When making purchasing, construction, leasing, and other decisions that affect state government's emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) or other toxic substances, agencies shall explicitly consider the benefits and costs (including the social costs of carbon) of available options to avoid those emissions. Where cost-effective and workable solutions are available that will reduce or eliminate emissions, decision makers shall select the lower-emissions options."

Preferred specifications

Purchasers should include these specifications, unless not possible:

  • Equipment used in service that are certified EnergyStar, EPEAT Bronze level or higher, e-Stewards, or Sustainable Electronics Reuse and Recycling (R2) Standard
  • Products used in service that are certified Safer Choice, Green Screen, Cradle to Cradle, Green Seal, ECOLOGO, or Design for the Environment
  • Products used in service that contain recycled content
    • Products used in service do not contain HFCs, mercury, PCBs
  • B Corp
  • NSF Sustainability Certification
  • When using electronic equipment, choose sustainable electronics. EPEAT bronze or above registered. Products include: computers and displays, imaging equipment, mobile phones, network equipment, servers, and others.
  • When using products, use products that don't contain toxics.
  • Use or supply sustainable products. Sustainable products include energy-efficient, recycled content, water-efficient, bio-based, and other environmentally preferable products.
  • Incorporate sustainability requirements. This could involve using materials that are recyclable or made from recycled content, reducing energy consumption, or minimizing waste.
  • Follow practices that reduce environmental impact. This could include reducing emissions, promoting environmental stewardship, supporting resilient supply chains driving innovation, and incentivizing markets for sustainable products and services.
  • Ensure that all parties involved in the contract work are aware of the importance of sustainability and are trained in sustainable practices.

Find these products on statewide contracts

Find products that meet Washington's green purchasing specifications:

Things to Avoid

  • Toxics in products/services

End of life

Surplus goods that still can be used

  • Use surplus disposal to get rid of items you no longer need. Keep materials out of landfills and make funds for your agency.
  • Donate food to a food bank.

Recycling and disposal

Hazardous waste disposal guidelines and options:

Contact us

Leatta Dahlhoff

Environmental Technical Analyst