It is the practice of the district to promote equitable opportunities to do business with the Omaha Public Schools under contract awards relating to, among other things, facilities, professional services, goods, and supplies, and the practices of these entities also reflect these practices. It is the belief of the district that the utilization of a diversified supplier base (suppliers, contractors, vendors, consultants, and entities contracting with the district) is beneficial both to the district and the communities we serve by creating sustainable growth and economic opportunities.

Sustainable Procurement Statement

The district acknowledges that its purchasing decisions carry economic, social, and environmental implications and recognizes its responsibility to procure goods and services in a sustainable manner.

This document reflects the commitments set out in the district’s Environmental Stewardship Plan and aims toward fully integrating environmental and socio-economic responsibilities in all areas of the district’s activities. Where appropriate, these guidelines will be applied to the district’s purchasing strategy, process communication, and staff training. The district will, whenever appropriate and practicable, seek to reduce the adverse impacts of its purchasing activities by:

1. Incorporating whole-life costs and impacts of products and services in purchasing decisions.
2. Promoting the purchase of goods and services that support economic inclusion – reinvesting in the communities we serve.
3. Encouraging review of the need to purchase and reducing consumption in line with the minimum quantities or requirement, at the same time meeting the needs of the user/internal client.
4. Encouraging the purchase of products that hold relevant eco-labels, and are made from sustainable, renewable, or recycled resources in line with common minimum standards.
5. Encouraging the purchase of products and services requiring minimal transportation/travel, or ongoing maintenance, consumables, or equipment.
6. Promoting the purchase of ethical and Fair-Trade products within the district, avoiding exploitation of labor, and supporting the purchase of products and services that expand equity and diversity.
7. Encouraging the purchase of goods with minimal packaging. If unavoidable, packaging should be made from biodegradable, recycled or recyclable materials.
8. Promoting the purchase of products and services that have minimal environmental impact or consumption during their use/supply (e.g. durable, energy efficient, reusable, refillable), and that minimize the use of utilities/fuel.
9. Encouraging the purchase of products that can be recycled or disposed of with minimal environmental damage and the purchase of services by providers that have adequate waste management processes.
10. Excluding hazardous or environmentally damaging products where a viable alternative is available.