Authorizing City Council's Committee on the Environment to hold public hearings on implementing sustainable procurement practices for the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia consumes approximately $108,438,212 worth of goods every fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the Greenest City in America; and

WHEREAS, Sustainable procurement allows public authorities to achieve environmental targets that address problems such as energy efficiency, pollution, deforestation and gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, Sustainable procurement sets an example for private consumers and private sector organizations by demonstrating that environmentally conscious choices lead to positive outcomes; and

WHEREAS, Sustainable procurement improves the quality of life for residents; and

WHEREAS, It is the duty of the City of Philadelphia to support the local economy and its participants by procuring its goods from businesses and manufacturers in the Delaware River Valley; and

WHEREAS, Environmental sustainability and decreasing the carbon footprint of Philadelphia remains a priority of the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Where price and quality are the same, the City of Philadelphia should prioritize the more sustainable good; and

WHEREAS, The cities of Minneapolis, Portland, Raleigh, Richmond, San Jose, San Francisco and Seattle have comprehensive sustainable procurement programs; and

WHEREAS, According to the City of Portland Procurement Services, the City of Portland, Oregon saved 1,378 trees, reduced carbon emissions by 1,729 metric ton, and saved $293,255 in electricity costs and 2.92 million kWh in 2014 through its sustainable procurement program; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL of the City of Philadelphia, That Council does hereby authorize the Committee on the Environment to hold public hearings on implementing sustainable procurement practices for the City of Philadelphia.

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