City of Madison Greens Purchasing Policies Related to Vehicles, Buildings, and More

July 1, 2026

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has taken action to strengthen Madison's sustainable purchasing practices, issuing updated and new guidance that directs City employees to choose electric vehicles, certified green cleaning products, sustainable building materials, and to leave single-use plastics behind. The four updated Administrative Procedure Memoranda (APMs) build on Madison's 2024 Sustainability Plan and its goal of leveraging City purchasing power to reduce emissions and support a circular economy. By changing how local government shops, the City of Madison is looking to help grow the local market for sustainable products.

"Madison has set ambitious goals to cut climate pollution, and these updated purchasing policies show that we're serious about using every tool available to get there," said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. "At a time when federal support is eroding, it's more important than ever for cities like ours to step up and lead. When fleet replaces a gas-powered vehicle with an electric vehicle or staff reach for a green cleaning product, we're helping the climate and our bottom line."

Purchasing Green Cleaning Products (APM 4-6)

City employees who purchase cleaning supplies, including all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, hand soaps, and floor cleaners, must now buy products certified by Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO, or the EPA's Safer Choice program. These certifications ensure that products meet rigorous health, environmental, and performance standards. Staff are also required to choose recycled and recyclable packaging and avoid aerosol products, which often contain volatile organic compounds harmful to human health and the environment.

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"From a purchasing standpoint, this policy actually opens up some really practical opportunities for the City," said Brian Pittelli, Buyer 3 in the City's Finance Department. "When we standardize around certified green cleaning products, we can consolidate what we're buying across departments and facilities and start purchasing in bulk. That kind of volume gives us leverage with suppliers and, in many cases, it can bring down the per-unit cost significantly."

Electric Vehicles as the Default (APM 4-9)

When City departments purchase or replace vehicles, they must now follow a clear decision-making process that puts electric vehicles first. If an electric vehicle is available and the City has adequate charging infrastructure, staff must conduct a life-cycle cost analysis and purchase the option with the lowest lifetime cost. Only if an electric version is unavailable do departments move to consider hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles. For larger, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, staff must also evaluate whether cleaner fuels like renewable diesel are a viable option.

"Our fleet team has been doing this work on the ground for years," said Rachel Darken, Fleet Service Superintendent. "We have been piloting renewable diesel across hundreds of vehicles, putting electric vehicles into service, and doing ongoing analysis to figure out which vehicles are actually ready to go electric today. What APM 4-9 does is take that careful, case-by-case thinking and make it the standard for every department across the City."

Avoiding Single-Use Plastics (APM 4-13)

A new policy requires City employees to make a concerted effort to avoid single-use plastics when purchasing goods for City use, City-sponsored events, and items given to Madison residents. Staff are directed to choose reusable utensils, plates, and cups, and to avoid single-use plastic bags, water bottles, and food service items. When single-use items are necessary, employees should choose more biodegradable or compostable options. Contractors hired for City events are also asked to follow this guidance to the greatest extent possible.

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"Our Sustainability Plan is clear that leveraging City purchasing power is one of the most direct ways we can support a vibrant, green economy in Madison," said Jessica Price, Sustainability and Resilience Manager. "These APMs turn that goal into concrete, daily practice. We want City staff to feel empowered to make sustainable choices, and these policies give them a clear roadmap to do exactly that."

Energy Efficiency in Equipment Replacements (APM 6-4)

Building on the City's recent requirement for LEED Gold certification on all new construction, updated guidance now also addresses sustainability during individual building retrofits and equipment replacements. When replacing HVAC systems, lighting, plumbing fixtures, building materials, or finishes, City staff are directed to prioritize energy efficiency, low-toxicity materials, and products with verified environmental performance.

"Our facilities team has already achieved LEED Gold or Platinum on fourteen of our sixteen certified buildings," said Bryan Cooper, Assistant City Engineer – Facilities. "The updated APM 6-4 extends that same mindset to the times when we're replacing a lighting fixture or upgrading an HVAC system. That consistency across the full life of our buildings will help make City facilities more energy efficient and reduce operating costs."

All four policies include due diligence requirements, directing staff to document their purchasing decisions and obtain approval before making any purchase that cannot meet the sustainability standards. Exemptions are available where compliant products are unavailable at a reasonable price or within a reasonable timeframe, or where they would not perform adequately for their intended purpose.

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