Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Santa Clara County Environmental Rules: Sustainable Procurement Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified today|Source: SCC Procurement — Sustainable Procurement Policy →

Recently verified

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Key Facts

Lead department: SCC Procurement Department
Policy framework: OneSCC Sustainability Plan
Fleet rule: Light-duty replacements zero-emission

Summary

Santa Clara County's Sustainable Procurement Policy directs all departments to prioritize recycled-content, energy-efficient, low-toxicity, and locally sourced products. Procurement leads the county's transition to a zero-emission light-duty fleet under the OneSCC Sustainability Plan.

Full Breakdown

The Santa Clara County Sustainable Procurement Policy adopted by the Board of Supervisors directs all departments to specify recycled-content paper, EPEAT-rated electronics, low-VOC paints and cleaners, and Energy Star or DOE FEMP-designated appliances when issuing solicitations or purchase orders. The Procurement Department oversees the county fleet plan replacing light-duty sedans, SUVs, and vans with battery-electric or plug-in hybrid models when feasible. Vendors competing for county contracts disclose product sustainability data, and bid evaluations award scoring credit for low-carbon, locally sourced, and small-business suppliers. Roads and Airports applies parallel construction-material standards including recycled aggregate, warm-mix asphalt, and rubberized binders where engineering tolerances allow.

Violations & Fines

Bids that fail to meet mandatory environmental specifications are rejected at evaluation stage. Contractors making false sustainability claims face debarment under county contracting rules and contract termination, with repayment of paid funds plus liquidated damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this policy apply to private businesses?

Only when bidding on or fulfilling a county contract. Private commerce is unregulated by the policy, but vendors selling to Santa Clara County must meet the sustainable specifications written into solicitations and master agreements.

Are diesel trucks still allowed in the county fleet?

Heavy-duty trucks and specialty equipment may still be diesel where zero-emission models are unavailable. Light-duty replacements must be battery-electric or plug-in hybrid, and the policy phases out new diesel passenger vehicles entirely going forward.

How does Santa Clara County compare?

See how Santa Clara County's sustainable procurement rules stack up against other locations.

Compare to Another Location View California Overview

Santa Clara County Environmental Rules: Sustainable Procurement Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Ordinances in Santa Clara County

Environmental Rules: Climate Emergency Mobilization

Parking Rules: EV Charging

Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements

More Environmental Rules in Santa Clara County

Sustainable Procurement in Other Cities

How does Santa Clara County compare?

See something wrong?