CHAPTER 6
PURCHASING
Ski areas purchase numerous products from a variety of commercial and industrial sources. Virtually
all items purchased have environmental aspects that contribute to a ski area’s environmental
“footprint”. Therefore, environmental purchasing policies and guidelines present an opportunity for
ski areas to make significant environmental performance improvements. This chapter discusses the
process for developing and implementing purchasing guidelines and presents specific information
about environmentally preferable options for items commonly purchased by ski areas, including
chemicals, lighting, paper, and office equipment. The chapter concludes with a discussion about
buying locally and references for additional information. Ski areas should apply the guidelines
presented in this chapter to all their purchases, not just the specific items discussed below. Two
examples of areas not discussed in this chapter are uniform selection (which should focus on recycled
fiber content, reusability, and organically and sustainably grown materials) and energy options (such
as wind and solar energy sources; see Chapter 8 for examples of how ski areas can utilize wind-
generated electricity). Be creative in looking for alternatives to make environmentally responsible
purchasing decisions for your ski area.
6.1
DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL PURCHASING
GUIDELINES
Successfully developing and implementing environmental purchasing guidelines involve seven key
steps. The seven steps are listed below in chronological order.
1.
Enlist Management Support
2.
Develop a Committed Team
3.
Decide on an Overall Purchasing Strategy
4.
Create Guiding Principles and Policy
5.
Determine Focus Areas
6.
Establish a Baseline
7.
Implement Guidelines and Track Progress
Each of these steps is discussed below, followed by a
case study of how Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin)
developed guidelines following these steps.
STEP 1: ENLIST MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
With any organizati