GreenNY Purchasing Definitions

GreenNY Purchasing Definitions

 

This list includes all definitions in the GreenNY specifications. 
Each GreenNY specification includes the applicable definitions for that product or service.
GreenNY Purchasing Definitions
Biodegradable – The ability of a product or material to break down in the environment under normal conditions with no specified timeframe. Residues may be left behind. 
Note: GreenNY specifications restrict the use of the term biodegradable on products and packaging unless the claim is verified.
Bulk shipping – The practice of shipping large quantities of a product in a single delivery, as opposed to receiving multiple deliveries of the product in smaller quantities. This cost-effective practice can reduce the amount of material and number of trips needed to deliver the same quantity of a product.

Closed-Loop Dilution-Control System – A system that controls the dilution of a concentrate product so that the undiluted product cannot be practically accessed by users (Green Seal, 2022). Concentrate product containers must:

  • Have "spill-resistant packaging" that requires coupling to a specially designed device to dispense the product. 
  • Cannot not be able to be "practically accessed" during routine use. The packaging must not allow for access or exposure to the concentrated product after opening a cap or lid, or before or while connecting to the dispensing system. 
  • Contain a backflow prevention system that meets the current  American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) 1055 Standard.
Compostable – The ability of a product or material to undergo biological decomposition in a commercial or municipal compost facility and break down within a specified timeframe into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass suitable for use as a soil amendment, leaving no toxic residue. 
Note: To be considered compostable per the GreenNY specifications, a product must be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA), or an equivalent certifier approved by the State.
Emergency Construction – Refers to New York State Public Buildings Law Section 9. This provision defines it as damage to or malfunction in a building or property of the State of New York caused by an unanticipated, sudden, or unexpected occurrence which involves a pressing necessity for immediate repair, reconstruction, or maintenance in order to permit the safe continuation of a necessary public use or function, or to protect the property of the State of New York, or the life, health, or safety of any person.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) – A report that quantifies environmental information over the life cycle of a product to enable comparisons of environmental impacts between products fulfilling the same function.
Fragrance-Free – The absence of chemicals in a product that impart or counteract an odor or scent. 
Note: This is different than “unscented,” which means a product has no scent, but may contain chemicals that neutralize or mask the odors of other ingredients.
High Strength Concrete – Concrete that has a high compressive strength. Under this guidance, concrete with a specified compressive strength of 8000 psi (55 MPa) or greater is considered high strength concrete, as per the ACI PCR-353.2-11).
Manufacturer’s Packaging – The original packaging provided by the manufacturer. The practice of shipping materials in the manufacturer’s packaging means the product is transported to the purchaser without being repackaged by the vendor or distributor.
Order Consolidation – The practice of combining multiple individual orders or shipments into a single delivery.
Oxo-Degradable Plastics – Plastics that contain additives that allow them to fragment into small pieces when exposed to oxygen. However, the pieces may not completely break down, becoming microplastics that could contaminate the environment.
Packaging components – Materials or substances applied to the packaging, including inks, dyes, adhesives, pigments, stabilizers and any other additives.   
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – A class of persistent fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. They are used to make products water-repellant, grease-resistant, and/or heat tolerant. PFAS have been found in a wide array of consumer and institutional products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpet and furniture, waterproof clothing, compostable food service ware, firefighting foam, refrigerants, artificial turf, building materials, and more.
Performance Specification for Concrete – In reference to concrete mixes, this refers to the materials conditions required for a concrete mix to meet the design requirements. These may include strength, air content, permeability or surface resistivity, freeze-thaw durability or super air meter, and shrinkage/ cement reduction or paste factor. Performance specifications are defined in lieu of prescriptive mix proportioning.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – A type of plastic (also called “vinyl” or #3 plastic) made up of vinyl chloride molecules linked together. Vinyl chloride is classified as a reasonably anticipated human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Additives commonly found in PVC include, but are not limited to, plasticizers (e.g., phthalates) and heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium). PVC is commonly found in packaging, carpeting and flooring, building materials, medical equipment, office supplies, food service ware, and more.  
Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCRC) – A material that has served its intended use and has been collected in a municipal or commercial recycling program and incorporated into new materials or products. PCRC does not include pre-consumer recycled content (also referred to as post-industrial recycled content), which is material diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process.
Primary Packaging – The first layer of protection, the packaging materials that are in contact with the product such as bottles, bags, boxes, and other containers
Quick Cure – In reference to concrete mixes, refers to concrete that hardens faster than an average mix and is used on projects that require a fast setting time in order to allow critical activity to resume, or in order for a critical project to be completed quickly.
Recyclable – A product is generally considered recyclable if it is accepted for collection by a municipal or commercial curbside recycling program or by a manufacturer or vendor takeback program.
Right-Sized Packaging – The practice of using packaging that is appropriately sized for the product being shipped. The goal is to minimize excess space or materials while ensuring the packaging is just large enough to protect the product from damage. This cost-effective practice can reduce the amount of material used to deliver a product and can increase efficiency for shipping carriers.
Secondary Packaging – The second layer of protection, the packaging materials that hold multiple product units together such as cardboard boxes and void fill.
Surface cleaning wipes – Single-use, pre-moistened cloths or towelettes integrated with cleaning agents that are designed to for use on countertops, furniture, and other surfaces. 
Note: These do not include disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizing wipes, and personal care wipes.
Takeback Program – An initiative where a manufacturer or retailer collects and recycles products and/or packaging at the end of their useful lives. Takeback programs can be voluntary or mandated by legislation.  
Tertiary Packaging – The outermost layer of protection, the packaging materials that hold multiple consolidated units together for transportation such as pallets, pallet wrap, and straps.
Total Recycled Content (TRC) – The sum of post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content.