Every day, hospitals purchase thousands of different products requested by dozens of different departments. Often unknowingly, hospitals may purchase items that are toxic. Some products may affect patient and worker health. Others have serious environmental impacts. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) is a system that identifies and avoids these problems.

From eliminating unnecessary packaging, to seeking substitutes for mercury- and PVC-containing products, purchasing decisions can have a major impact in providing health care without harm. 

HCWH works with hospitals and health systems to reduce environmental impact through purchasing decisions, by implementing  Environmentally Preferable Purchasing policies, setting purchasing goals, and working within Product Evaluation Committees. HCWH is also working with the leading U.S. group purchasing organizations in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of products. In Europe, where purchasing policies are usually developed on a national basis, HCWH is working to promote EPP guidelines and resources.   

Environmentally preferable products are generally:

• Less toxic.
• Minimally polluting.
• More energy efficient.
• Safer and healthier for patients, workers, and the environment.
• With higher recycled content.
• With less packaging.
• Fragrance-free.

Key Resources

EPP How To Guide (pdf)

Sample Letter to GPOs (pdf)

Hospitals for a Healthy Environment

Sustainable Hospitals Project

EPP in Europe

CleanMed

Tools for Materials Managers