Policy & Implementation

In July 2008, the TTC approved a Green Procurement Policy that:

 “…directs the organization to continually improve purchasing decisions by integrating environmental considerations into every aspect of the purchasing process.”

 The Policy applies to:

“… all procurement activities related to facilities, construction, revenue and non-revenue vehicles, operations, administration, as well as other supporting activities.”

The Policy has four key objectives

1. Provide a framework for the purchase of environmentally preferred products and services that compliment the formal purchasing practices set out in the Commission’s Procurement Policy.
2. Encourage the inclusion of environmental performance criteria into Commission supply chain procedures, processes and activities – where possible – as industry and technology advances become available.
3. Support the purchase of goods and services that will protect the environment, while maintaining best value for the Commission,
4. Promote a corporate culture at the Commission that recognizes and places a priority on environmental issues.

Current Progress & Achievements

Notable achievements and progress on activities undertaken since the implementation of the Green Procurement Policy include:

  • training of over 200 TTC staff members in the principles of Green Procurement to provide the necessary guidance and tools required to put it into practice across the Commission;
  • launching a paper-reduction pilot project within the Materials & Procurement Department that resulted in significant  environmental benefits, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing one passenger car off the road for a year, as well as  saving 64 trees, 154,000 litres of water and 2.3 tonnes of solid waste; and
  • engaging a number of key vendors, other regional transit authorities and the City of Toronto in working with the TTC on Green Procurement.

The TTC is currently working with its key stakeholders in identifying innovative projects that will provide environmental benefits and cost savings for both vendors and the TTC.

The Commission expects that as the Green Procurement Policy is further implemented, and technology and industry innovations become increasingly available, changes in procurement practices may include:

  • the purchase of new Environmentally Preferable Products;
  • increases in the purchase of eco-labelled products;
  • adoption of innovative standards, specifications and contracts; and
  • partnerships with suppliers to reduce environmental impacts and costs.

The Commission will seek opportunities to encourage and influence markets for Environmentally Preferable Products through employee education and the adoption of innovative standards, specifications and contracts, while remaining fiscally responsible and ensuring the continued safe operation of the Commission.

TTC Green Procurement Policy Documents: