GERP quiz
Last updated on June 19, 2025This page contains an optional quiz that can be taken to help assess your comfort level with the new Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Procurement (GERP).
Prior to taking this quiz, please read through and familiarize yourself with the Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Procurement (GERP) website.
Quiz questions
Question 1
Environmentally responsible procurement is...?
Answer choices
A) When you consider sustainability in purchasing decisions
B) When you decide what goods to buy based on product reviews
C) Buying in bulk so you can get the best value for taxpayer's dollars
D) A way to charge more for products because it says "eco" on it
Question 1 - answer
A) When you consider sustainability in purchasing decisions
The idea behind environmentally responsible procurement is to consider sustainability at multiple levels of the procurement life cycle.
Question 2
Which of the following is a consideration to include in your RFx to evaluate a supplier's environmental performance?
Answer choices
A) Using renewable resources
B) Supporting the protection of biodiversity
C) Reducing waste including hazardous waste
D) Improving energy and water efficiency
E) All of the above
Question 2 - answer
E) All of the above
All of the listed factors here are things that should be considered when evaluating a supplier's environmental performance in your RFx.
Question 3
Environmentally responsible procurement is a directive from which strategic government initiative?
Answer choices
A) Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Procurement
B) Buy BC program guide
C) BC Procurement Plan 2024
D) T.E.A.M.S emergency management
Question 3 - answer
C) BC Procurement Plan 2024
This plan was released in 2024 and can be found on the BC Procurement Resources website.
Question 4
Why is environmentally responsible procurement important? It is important because...
Answer choices
A) It shows that government buyers have options to consider when advancing outcomes, even if they aren’t used every time
B) It means causing less harm to the environment. It also means environmental benefits to society and being smart with taxpayer’s money
C) It makes us look good while we are engaging with suppliers and vendors
D) Low costs should be valued above all else. A higher initial cost but lower overall cost is inefficient
Question 4 - answer
B) It means causing less harm to the environment. It also means environmental benefits to society and being smart with taxpayer’s money
By incorporating the guidelines, we support a positive relationship with the environment, improving society and also being responsible with taxpayer’s dollars.
Question 5
Which policies apply to the Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Procurement?
Answer choices
A) CPPM procurement chapter 6
B) Trade agreements
C) CPPM government transfers chapter 21
D) Both A and B
E) None of the above
Question 5 - answer
D) Both A and B
The guidelines apply to both the procurement policies laid out in the CPPM, and applicable trade agreements.
Question 6
Which of the following are the key principles for environmentally responsible purchasing?
Answer choices
A) Buy only what’s needed, consider alternatives, identify environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities, and choose environmentally responsible goods/services
B) Choose the least expensive option, even if it means contributing to pollution and resource depletion
C) Assume all goods and services are environmentally friendly and make your decision based on a brand you recognize
D) Purchase items in bulk without considering whether they will be used or if they might lead to unnecessary waste
Question 6 - answer
A) Buy only what’s needed, consider alternatives, identify environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities, and choose environmentally responsible goods/services
These are the four guiding principles of the Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Procurement!
Question 7
When running an RFx, your evaluation criteria should consider the environmental impact over the entire life cycle of the goods or services being purchased.
Answer choices
A) False
B) True
Question 7 - answer
B) True
It’s true that we want to consider environmental responsibility and sustainability over the entire life cycle of the goods or services being purchased.
Question 8
The Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Procurement mention that the government is shifting away from a “take, make, waste” system and moving towards which type of system?
Answer choices
A) A linear economy
B) A closed look system
C) A circular economy
D) A dispensable economy
Question 8 - answer
C) A circular economy
We want to move towards a circular economy approach that considers the whole life cycle of the good or service.
Question 9
Which of the following is an example of a circular economy procurement approach?
Answer choices
A) Zero emission vehicles
B) Environmentally responsible catering
C) Product lifetime extensions
D) Reusable containers and refillable options
E) All of the above
Question 9 - answer
E) All of the above
These are all great examples of a circular economy in procurement!
Question 10
What are the desired outcomes of applying the Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Procurement to your purchases?
Answer choices
A) Increase demand for eco-friendly products and services
B) Cut GHG emissions and lessen climate change impacts
C) Encourage suppliers to adopt sustainable practices
D) Help achieve government priorities and mandates
E) All of the above
Question 10 - answer
E) All of the above
These are all great and desired outcomes when incorporating sustainability into government procurement!