EXECUTIVE ORDER 02-03

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES BY STATE AGENCIES

WHEREAS, the state of Washington is committed to the mutually compatible goals of economic vitality, a healthy environment and strong communities; and

WHEREAS, sustainability provides for current needs without sacrificing the needs of future generations; and

WHEREAS, within state government, sustainable practices require decisions based on a systematic evaluation of the long-term impacts of an activity or product on health and safety, communities, and the environment and economy of Washington State; and

WHEREAS, reversing the steady decline in the natural resources and ecosystems on which people and economic vitality depend is critical to our future; and

WHEREAS, the regional and global implications of climate change, loss of biological diversity, and threats to resources such as clean water require us all to examine and change behaviors; and

WHEREAS, state government should model sustainable business practices that contribute to the long-term protection and enhancement of our environment, our economy and the health of current and future generations;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, Governor of the state of Washington, declare my commitment that state government operations be conducted in a manner consistent with these principles of sustainability and contribute positively towards the quality of life of all citizens.

It is THEREFORE ordered and directed that:

1. Each state agency shall establish sustainability objectives and prepare a biennial Sustainability Plan to modify its practices regarding resource consumption; vehicle use; purchase of goods and services; and facility construction, operation and maintenance.
   
   Plans should be guided by the following long-term goals:
   • Institutionalize sustainability as an agency value;
   • Raise employee awareness of sustainable practices in the workplace;
   • Minimize energy and water use;
   • Shift to clean energy for both facilities and vehicles;
   • Shift to non-toxic, recycled and remanufactured materials in purchasing and construction;
   • Expand markets for environmentally preferable products and services; and
   • Reduce or eliminate waste as an inefficient or improper use of resources.
     
     
   Initial plans may be modeled on the outline accompanying this executive order and shall include descriptions of currently used sustainable practices. Each agency shall complete its initial plan by September 1, 2003. Subsequent plans shall be completed by September 1 each even-numbered year thereafter.
   
   Each state agency shall report annually on its progress in implementing its Sustainability Plan. The first progress report shall be submitted to the Office of Financial Management by October 15, 2004. Subsequent progress reports shall be submitted each October 15.
   
   
2. The Office of Financial Management shall designate a Sustainability Coordinator to assist state agencies in meeting the goals of this executive order. The Coordinator shall:
   • Assist agencies in developing their Sustainability Plans;
   • Assist agencies in educating their employees on sustainable business practices;
   • Chair an inter-agency work group to promote information-sharing and cooperation;
   • Create and maintain a Sustainable Washington Internet Website where agency plans and accomplishments can be viewed by state agencies and the public;
   • Develop incentives to recognize innovative agency practices that foster sustainability;
   • Work to eliminate barriers to sustainable practices; and
   • Identify opportunities for coordinated sustainable activities by state agencies such as the purchase of sustainable products through state contracts.
     
     
3. The Sustainability Coordinator, in consultation with state agencies, shall establish Sustainability Advisory Council consisting of representatives from the private sector and others with sustainability expertise to advise state agencies on how to make state government operations more sustainable.
   
   The Sustainability Advisory Council shall report to me by February 1, 2004 on the status of agency sustainability activities, opportunities for improvements based on effective strategies used elsewhere in the public and private sectors, and the best means to integrate sustainability into state government policies and actions.

I invite institutions of higher education, public schools, elected officials, commissions, and others to participate in implementing this executive order within their organizations.

This executive order shall take effect immediately.