GERP practice activity 1
Last updated on June 19, 2025Designing environmentally responsible RFx questions
In this activity, you’ll read a series of RFx questions that could be part of a solicitation. Think about how to make them more environmentally friendly. When you’re ready, click the answer dropdown to compare your ideas with the suggested improvements.
Food and catering
How would you alter this RFx question to focus more on procuring goods that are local to BC?
RFx question: Describe the approach to sourcing food that is easily available and offers the best price.
Food and catering answer
Answer: Describe the approach to sourcing food that is produced or processed locally in BC.
Equipment
How would you alter this RFx question to take into consideration the lifecycle of the good being procured?
RFx question: Describe proposed services offered for the initial months following adoption of the equipment, as they support the transition period.
Equipment answer
Answer: Describe proposed services offered for the lifespan of the equipment that include repairability, lifetime extensions, and recyclability at end-of-life.
Supplies and packaging
How would you alter this RFx question to take into consideration goods that are reusable or repairable?
RFx question: Describe the primary supplies (materials and/or substances) proposed for use in the work.
Supplies and packaging answer
Answer: Describe the primary supplies (materials and/or substances) proposed for use in the work, and for each, list any reuseable/repairable attributes.
Printed materials
How would you alter this RFx question to more directly consider minimizing the use of paper-based materials?
RFx question: Describe the proposed methodology to take environmental considerations into account when producing paper-based materials.
Printed materials answer
Answer: Describe the proposed methodology for ensuring that paper-based materials are kept to a minimum.
Travel
How would you alter this RFx question to take into consideration reducing emissions for travel that is used as a during this contract?
RFx question: Describe the modes of travel the proponent proposes to use during the length of the contract.
Travel answer
Answer: Describe modes of travel the proponent proposes to use, and how each will create the least emissions possible.
Transportation for delivery of goods or services
How would you alter this RFx question to take into consideration evaluating the environmental impact of the vehicles used for the contract work?
RFx question: Describe primary vehicle(s) proposed for the work, including metrics on fuel consumption.
Transportation for delivery of goods or services answer
Answer: Describe the primary vehicle(s) proposed for the work and what training is provided to drivers to minimize the environmental impact of operating the vehicle.
Event location
How would you alter this RFx question to take into consideration providing alternative transportation methods that are more environmentally responsible.
RFx question: Identify the location of the proposed facilities, and the parking options available to attendees.
Event location answer
Answer: Identify the location of the proposed facilities, and the attendees' access to and use of nearby public transit, active transportation options, and supports, including any bike facilities, as well as EV charging stations available.
Facilities
How would you alter this RFx question to take into consideration energy and water saving measures when evaluating proponents?
RFx question: Identify what devices the facility is equipped with, addressing, but not limited to appliances, washroom facilities, and heating.
Facilities answer
Answer: Identify any energy and water saving devices that the facility is equipped with, addressing, but not limited to insulation, solar, low flow, etc.
Waste reduction and disposal
How would you alter this RFx question to take into consideration the production phase and downstream?
RFx question: Describe the methodologies used to reduce, reuse, or recycle materials.
Waste reduction and disposal answer
Answer: Describe the methodologies used to reduce, reuse, or recycle materials as part of the production phase and downstream.