Technical Reviews
- What is a Green Suppliers Network review?
- How much does it cost?
- How much time does a Green Suppliers Network review take?
- Who conducts the Green Suppliers Network review?
- Will the supplier know who is coming into their facility and when?
- Who chooses what product/process line is reviewed?
- What happens after a Green Suppliers Network review?
- Who decides which recommendations to implement?
- Are suppliers required to show their Corporate Champion the potential cost savings identified?
What is a Green Suppliers Network review?
Suppliers commit to participate in a technical review of a product or process line. The Green Suppliers Network review team conducts a technical review at the facility and trains staff members on techniques to identify the root causes of waste.
How much does it cost?
Joining the Green Suppliers Network is free, but the cost of a typical review varies depending on factors such as the depth and focus of your technical reviews and the expertise of your local NIST MEP.
How much time does a Green Suppliers Network review take?
The Green Suppliers Network review typically takes approximately three to four nonconsecutive days. After a review has been scheduled, members of the Green Suppliers Network review team conduct a half-day pre-visit and/or phone interviews to identify improvement targets and issues of concern, followed by a two- to three-day onsite visit to perform the review.
Who conducts the Green Suppliers Network review?
The team combines the expertise of the supplier's local Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center (a program within the Department of Commerce) with the expertise of the supplier's state environmental programs. EPA is not involved in any onsite technical assistance.
Will the supplier know who is coming into their facility and when?
Yes. A Green Suppliers Network review team works with the supplier to determine when the review will be conducted and who will be involved.
Who chooses what product/process line is reviewed?
Suppliers decide what product/process line undergoes a Green Suppliers Network review. However, Corporate Champions might suggest and encourage review of a particular process/product line specific to their purchasing decisions.
What happens after a Green Suppliers Network review?
What happens next is up to the supplier. A Green Suppliers Network review is the first step in identifying improvement opportunities. NIST MEP centers conduct regular follow-up sessions to chart suppliers' implementation progress. The review team provides suppliers with a list of state and local resources and funding opportunities that can be used toward implementation.
Who decides which recommendations to implement?
Suppliers do. NIST MEP provides a report to management outlining a series of improvements that can be made, but it is up to the individual supplier what improvements they implement. The Green Suppliers Network review team is available to help with the implementation or identification of other resources to assist suppliers.
Are suppliers required to show their Corporate Champion the potential cost savings identified?
No. Suppliers retain all cost savings from implementing the Green Suppliers Network review recommendations.
