INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY

Principles

1. For procurement, sustainability refers to a capacity for development that can be sustained into the future.  Officials should employ sustainable practices when undertaking procurement, such as promoting reduced energy consumption and minimising waste where possible.
2. Value for money is the core principle underpinning Australian Government Procurement. In conducting a procurement, officials must take into account all relevant costs and benefits over the entire life of the procurement.  Sustainability should be considered as part of this total cost assessment.
3. Designing sustainable approaches improves the value for money achieved by the procurement and introduces greater innovation in designing and implementing procurements.
4. Sustainable procurement practices can be demonstrated by:

• including strategies that reduce demand or unnecessary consumption and end-of-life disposal;
• considering future sustainability issues and policies in the planning process (such as higher energy costs and energy intensity targets);
• encouraging sustainable solutions and innovation in tenders; and
• measuring and improving sustainability throughout the life of the procurement.