Blog: resources

September 8, 2010

New Green Procurement Toolkit and Guide
Alliance News — resources — Joanna Gubman

The California Sustainability Alliance, a market transformation program managed by Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: NCI), has released the Local Government Green Procurement Toolkit and Guide to assist local governments in adopting environmentally friendly procurement plans.

“Research shows that green products frequently cost no more than other products but produce ongoing savings,” said Craig McDonald, Managing Director with Navigant Consulting’s Energy practice. “By weighing not only the purchase price of a product but also its lifecycle cost and sustainability, green procurement policies can help local governments save money, create local green jobs, and reduce their environmental footprint.”

The toolkit incorporates case studies of eight leading local governments in California and Washington. In addition, it outlines steps for greening procurement policies and includes a variety of resources such as:

  • Draft policy language
  • Sample green bid specifications
  • Best practices from local, state and federal governments across the country
  • Information on eco‐labeling and links to public and private eco‐labeling programs
  • Listings of environmental preferable products and vendors with rankings across 23 sustainability criteria
  • Sustainability case studies

While the toolkit and guide are tailored for local government applications, all organizations can benefit from the policies, processes, and practical resources featured. View or download the Local Government Green Procurement Toolkit or Guide now.

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August 20, 2010

New Videos in the Library
Alliance News — resources — Joanna Gubman

The library includes more than a dozen videos offering insights from our advisors and community leaders on key sustainability issues. Two of the newest videos in our library are part of a series of interviews with Alliance Advisors and team members who were in attendance at this year's annual Sustainability Showcase Awards Luncheon.

Water-Energy Nexus
When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, most people immediately think of saving energy in the electricity and transportation sectors. Often overlooked is the significant amount of energy used to deliver and treat water.

Increasing the use of local water sources, including recycled water, can significantly reduce both the energy use and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with water consumption. In fact, a recent study by the Alliance estimates that accelerated development of available recyclable water could meet up to 16% of California’s energy efficiency goals.

In an interview with the Alliance, Cynthia Truelove, Senior Water Policy Analyst for the California Public Utilities Commission, discusses six measures identified through her work with the Governor’s Climate Action Team that would achieve greenhouse gas reductions in addition to those covered under California’s Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32). These voluntary measures include: water recycling, renewable energy generation in the water cycle, water use efficiency, water systems efficiency, public goods financing, and storm water management.

To learn more, read the Alliance's recycled water study, or take a look at our other videos!

First Cost Barriers
California’s aggressive energy and climate change goals may be all for naught if we can’t afford to meet them. Fortunately, most sustainability measures – including smart growth, energy efficiency, conservation, and green building – will save money in the long run. Overcoming the initial cost of these programs is key to achieving the long-term monetary (and environmental) savings they will provide.

In an interview with the Alliance, Frank Spasaro, Manager of Energy Efficiency Partnerships for Sempra Energy Utilities, discusses state and national financing programs designed to help local governments and private organizations overcome the first cost barriers to sustainability initiatives.

Visit our video page to watch this interview and others from the Alliance!

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August 9, 2010

New Alliance Library Launched
Alliance News — resources — Joanna Gubman

Filed under: alliance news — Changing business as usual can be hard, but finding information on how to do it shouldn’t be.  That’s why we recently updated our library with over two-dozen California Sustainability Alliance publications and videos on best practices and programs in California.  The library also contains a number of helpful external resources to help you ensure your community is a sustainable one.

Our publications page features guides on green property management, results from our survey of local government sustainability practices, a study on the importance of recycled water to energy and water savings, and more.  These resources provide practical information to help local governments and private organizations tackle pressing issues related to energy, water, and climate change.

In addition, our video gallery contains clips featuring insights from Alliance Advisory Committee members on topics such as green building, the water energy nexus, and overcoming the first cost barriers to implementing sustainability programs. Also featured are guest speakers and award recipients from the 2008 and 2009 Sustainability Showcase Awards giving their perspectives on critical sustainability issues.

Finally, browse and search through hundreds of resources on sustainability through our external resources page.

We hope this library will help local governments, private organizations, and other key stakeholders access the information they need to advance sustainability goals within their communities. Let us know which resources you find most helpful!

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