Model Procurement Guidelines

Purchasers can play a significant role in spurring market development efforts for recycled products.

Representatives from government and fiber and carpet manufacturers recognized the importance of government purchasing for supporting and enhancing product stewardship. They are working together to develop guidelines that are tailored to support the efforts of the third-party organization and reward companies that are designing and manufacturing environmentally preferable products.

The draft of the model procurement guidelines will address issues such as indoor air-quality, recycled content and management of old carpet.

General guidance for purchasing carpet

Purchasing environmentally sustainable carpet products reduces the volume and toxicity of the waste stream as well as the amount of resources necessary to produce the product. By incorporating environmental considerations into the purchasing of carpet, the purchaser is taking an active role in managing waste carpet, thereby reducing the effect on the environment.

• Recycling options for your old carpet. Does the vendor or manufacturer offer a program or service to reuse or recycle worn/used carpet and new carpet scraps from the installation process?

• Reduce waste. Carpet tiles have an advantage over roll carpet; they can be individually removed for cleaning, rotated (to eliminate uneven wear in traffic areas), or replaced in damaged areas, giving the carpeting a longer useful life span. Alternatives to carpet such as tile or polished concrete may be a better choice in terms of replacement or maintenance costs.

• Recyclability and recycled content. Consider the ability of the carpet to be recovered from or otherwise diverted from the solid waste stream. Also take into consideration the amount of recycled material in the new carpet.

• Materials. Choose the best type of face fiber, backing and cushion. Consider density and durability of the carpet. When selecting the appropriate carpet for its application, consider space classification, traffic flow, and the average churn (frequency of renovation) of the building.

• Color and pattern. Darker colors may show more wear than lighter colors, while lighter carpet may require more frequent cleaning.

• Price. Consider the "best value" when determining the lowest cost. Best value considers not only the lowest price for the carpet and installation, but also the environmental attributes of the carpet and its life span which may result in significant cost savings over a period of time.

• Indoor air quality. Make sure that the new carpet meets IAQ standards; at minimum, the carpet should have the CRI Indoor Air Quality Carpet Testing Green Label. It is wise to air out all new carpet before installation. Also, complete new construction and/or renovation activities such as painting before the carpet is installed, since carpet can absorb indoor contaminants and release the toxic chemicals for quite some time.

• Adhesives. Request low-VOC products.

• Warranties. Quality new carpet should come with at least a 15-year warranty for surface wear, edge unraveling, unzippering, etc. A refurbished carpet should have at least a 10-year warranty.

Model programs and references

• Greening Your Purchases of Carpets | U.S. EPA
  This new guide on carpet is a "one-stop shop" for green purchasing information, describing the challenges, successes, and resources associated with carpet. It includes product-specific education about environmental impacts of purchasing decisions, and how purchasing can include environmental considerations. (December 2001)
  
  
• Carpet & Flooring Products & Services | Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  The Environmentally Preferable Products Procurement Program (EP4) has posted information on carpet, as well as the Massachusetts state contract for carpet and flooring. This details the products and services offered, including recycling.
  
  
• Environmentally Responsible Carpet Choices | King County Environmental Purchasing Program
  This site offers comprehensive information on recycled-content carpet and backing, carpet maintenance, recycling old carpet, and carpet leasing.
  
  
• Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines | U.S. EPA
  Purchasing recommendations for recycled-content polyester carpet for light- and moderate-wear applications.
  
  
• Carpet Waste Prevention Strategies | INFORM, Inc.
  This fact sheet provides strategies for purchasing, maintaining, and recycling carpet to minimize waste and pollution.
  
  
• Floor Coverings (PDF - 400Kb) | Green Seal
  This January 1999 issue of the Choose Green Report includes useful information about carpet construction, fiber types and dyeing. Maintenance is also discussed, including tips on cleaning and repair.
  
  
• Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide | Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board
  Aimed primarily at government purchasers, this section on carpet offers guidance on selecting carpeting and flooring.
  
  
• Carpet Care & Cleaning | Carpet & Rug Institute
  Proper, consistent carpet maintenance is critical to extend carpet life and appearance, as well as maintain a healthy indoor environment.
  
  
• Safe & Effective Carpet Cleaning | Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project
  A successful maintenance program will feature the products suited to the work, and will thoroughly train janitors in proper cleaning methods to prevent pollution. Set up a maintenance program that takes care of carpet needs throughout their useful life.
  
  

Last update July 2003