Definition of sustainable public procurement

 Sustainable public procurement pertains to a process where the public authorities endeavour to purchase goods, services and works with a reduced negative environmental and social impact through their lifecycle by comparison with goods, services and works which fulfil the same primary function as goods, services or works purchased elsewhere. Here, due account is taken of the three pillars for sustainable development, more specifically:  1) To protect the quality of economic growth, the competitiveness of companies and conditions of competition through the creation of a level playing field that enables sufficient companies to tender for public procurement contracts;  2) To protect the environment and reduce the ecological footprint of public consumption;  3) To encourage dignified work, working conditions and green jobs.  SOURCE: Federal action plan for sustainable public procurement 2009 – 2011, p 8.Read more >>