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PolskiCLEANING PRODUCTS FOR SCHOOLS
Venelles is a town of about 8,100 inhabitants neighboring Aix-en-Provence in France. Inspired by the mayor and supported by the City Council of Venelles, the town has developed a comprehensive GPP policy approach since 2007 for most municipal procurement projects. Venelles constantly seeks to further its activities in GPP and has achieved a high standard for an administration of its size.
2007 - 2011
City of Venelles, Venelles, France
Description of the Green Initiative
Schools
In 2011 Venelles tendered for cleaning products for its schools. There are two preschools and three elementary schools with a total of 700-800 pupils. In order to reduce risks for children and cleaning personnel, Venelles tendered for cleaning products with reduced impact on human health and the environment.
The tender included several requirements, referring both to eco-labels and other criteria, and asked for samples before awarding the contract. After testing the products under real-life conditions and considering the ideas of the cleaning personnel, a detailed analysis of the offers was done to decide on a supplier.
Suppliers must provide a technical dossier outlining the environmental characteristics of all products to be supplied under the contract, including details of their contents, biodegradability, packaging and how waste could be reduced in the execution of the contract. Samples of all products are to be provided.
Environmentally friendly packaging: refillable containers and paper packaging meeting the criteria underlying eco-labels such as FSC, PEFC or equivalent.
The successful tenderer presented the most competitive offer and achieved at the same time the highest level in environmental performance (17/20 points) and satisfaction during the sample test (8.9/10). Eight out of twelve products carry an eco-label, with no product containing substances known as hazardous. Most products are solvent free or have a very low solvent content. Biodegradability for ecological alternatives is between 6-10 days. 96 percent of the products are available with refill packs and in environmentally friendly packaging such as paper or reusable canisters.
The lack of dangerous ingredients (such as solvents) and the high degree of biodegradability help to reduce the overall environmental impact. Ensuring the availability of refill packs allows a significant reduction in waste.
Environmentally friendly substitutes for all common cleaning products are available, without increasing the overall cost of the contract.
High transferability