Description: Green Procurement refers to the process of purchasing goods and services that have a reduced environmental impact. This approach seeks to integrate environmental considerations into purchasing decisions, promoting sustainability and ecological responsibility. Green Procurement focuses not only on the final product but also on the entire lifecycle of the good, from production to final disposal. This involves evaluating aspects such as resource use, energy consumption, emissions generated, and recyclability. By adopting Green Procurement practices, organizations can contribute to reducing their carbon footprint, promoting a circular economy, and supporting suppliers who implement sustainable practices. This approach is relevant for both public and private entities, as it allows them to align purchasing strategies with sustainability and social responsibility goals. Additionally, Green Procurement can lead to long-term savings by reducing operational costs and improving resource efficiency. In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, Green Procurement emerges as a key tool for driving positive change towards a more sustainable future.
History: Green Procurement began to gain attention in the 1990s when the importance of sustainable purchasing in mitigating climate change and protecting the environment was recognized. In 1992, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro highlighted the need to integrate sustainability into public policies, leading many governments to develop guidelines for Green Procurement. Over the years, various initiatives and regulatory frameworks have emerged, such as the European Union’s Green Public Procurement Program, which promotes the purchase of products and services that have a lower environmental impact.
Uses: Green Procurement is used in various areas, including public contracting, where governments seek suppliers that meet environmental criteria. It is also applied in the private sector, where companies adopt sustainability policies in their supply chains. Additionally, it is used in the purchase of office products, technology equipment, vehicles, and cleaning services, prioritizing those that are eco-friendly and sustainable.
Examples: Examples of Green Procurement include the purchase of recycled paper by offices, the acquisition of electric vehicles for corporate fleets, and the selection of suppliers that use sustainable materials in their products. It is also seen in government initiatives that require construction contracts to meet sustainability standards.
