Sustainable procurement achieves the Government's commitment to spend public money efficiently, economically, and ethically. Sustainable procurement considers issues such as:

Environmental management

Pollution control, waste minimisation, recycling and disposal

options Energy efficiency and resource consumption

Adopting environmental technologies and biodiversity

Ethical procurement

Planning laws and asset design use and maintenance, including heritage and culture

Manufacturing and production

Socio/economic benefits

Social procurement and social investment

Skills development, workplace and supply chain diversity

Employee rights and conditions, unfair competition, and ethical behaviour.

Principles guiding sustainable procurement can be used by agencies to develop sustainable procurement strategies, policies, guidance material, training and tools by:

Incorporating sustainability practices into every aspect of the business management, from planning through the procurement process to measurement of results

Adopting strategies to avoid unnecessary consumption and managing demand

Selecting products and services with lower environmental impact across their lifecycle

Fostering a viable market for sustainable products and services by supporting businesses that support socially responsible suppliers, adopt ethical practices and demonstrate innovation.