There are a number of questions that can be incorporated into a greener purchasing policy, forming one of the cornerstones of an EMS Programme. Most of these questions focus on looking at products within their entire life cycle. Some examples:

Specifications:

• Is this purchase necessary?
• What is the function that needs to be fulfilled?
• Are lifetime costs included in the specification?
• At what stage in the lifecycle are the main ecological impacts?
• Are there any hazardous or toxic aspects?

  Production:

• What is the environmental impact of the production process?
• Does the supplier have an EMS?
• Is the suppliersEcosts and business well understood?

  Investment:

• Are all financing options, lease, hire, etc. considered?
• Are costs of delivery and installation looked into?
• Have storage costs, if any, been considered?
• Have training costs, if any, been considered?

  Operations:

• Will new procedures be needed to use the product?
• What are the costs of fuel and power?
• What are the manpower requirements?
• How long does it need to last?
• What are the costs of spares?
• What are the costs of administrating it?

  Disposal:

• Can the product be re-used or recycled?
• What are the environmental impacts of disposal?
• Who is liable?
• Who is affected?
• What are the costs of removal?