Green Procurement
A purchasing strategy that prioritizes products and services with reduced environmental impacts, considering factors like energy efficiency, recyclability, and sustainable sourcing throughout the supply chain.
SustainabilityGreen procurement (also called sustainable procurement) is the process of selecting goods and services based on environmental criteria in addition to traditional factors like cost, quality, and delivery time. It applies to both public and private sector purchasing decisions.
Key Criteria
- Material sourcing: Preference for recycled, renewable, or responsibly sourced materials.
- Energy and water efficiency: Selecting products with lower operational resource consumption.
- Packaging and waste: Minimizing packaging, favoring reusable or recyclable materials.
- Supply chain transparency: Evaluating supplier environmental management practices and certifications.
- End-of-life considerations: Choosing products designed for disassembly, repair, or recycling.
Policy Frameworks
Many governments have adopted green public procurement (GPP) policies. The EU GPP criteria, for example, provide purchasing guidance across product categories. Eco-labels such as EU Ecolabel, Energy Star, and FSC certification help buyers identify compliant products.
Career Relevance
Green procurement is creating roles for sustainable supply chain managers, procurement specialists, and ESG analysts. Organizations across all sectors need professionals who can develop green purchasing policies, assess supplier sustainability performance, and ensure compliance with environmental procurement standards.