29 Oct 2009

London Fire Brigade has won an award at the Mayor of London's Green Procurement Code Awards
Brigade given award for focus on environmental issues

London Fire Brigade has won an award and was highly commended in another category at the Mayor of London's prestigious Green Procurement Code Awards 2009.

Open to London based organisations signed up to the Green Procurement Code, the awards took place on Monday 26 October at the Royal Institute of British Architects, recognising outstanding achievement in responsible purchasing.

The Brigade was given the accolade in the ‘Procurement Process category' for its revised practice which is designed to look at 'green' issues in any contract that they award. It has set up an assessment process to review future contracts for environmental or socio-economic impacts and to identify sustainable criteria to include in contracts.

The Brigade was also highly commended in the ‘Measurement and Results' category, as a result of the large range of green purchases made in its £86 million spend on goods and services. These include green electricity, energy efficient IT equipment and environmentally friendly office furniture. London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority's (LFEPA) Procurement Strategy and annual action plan combined with joint working with the Mayor's office also helped to drive good performance.

This award follows on from London Fire Brigade being awarded the highest gold standard for green procurement, one of 16 organisations in London to have reached this standard.

Chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, Councillor Brian Coleman said: "Once again the London Fire Brigade can be proud to say it is at the forefront of responsible procurement and these awards demonstrate our commitment to the Mayor's vision."