The federal government has launched its Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy, which will be phased in from July and initially see companies bidding for government construction services contracts needing to meet agreed sustainability outcomes, including products with recycled content.
In an announcement from environment minister Tanya Plibersek (pictured on right) on Wednesday, two phases of the policy were mentioned:
(The Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy and Reporting Framework, including verification measures for the product categories, can be accessed here.)
The potential to deliver environmental and job-creation benefits were cited in selection of product categories. According to the statement, the first phase will apply to two per cent of construction services procurement contracts, but capture 50 per cent of the value of those contracts.
“This will deliver a future remade in Australia, creating opportunities and demand for goods to be recycled and remanufactured right here. It’s a win for business, and a win for the environment,” said Plibersek.
“Just as many Australians look for recycled content or environmentally friendly products at the supermarket, the Australian Government will use our purchasing power to back cleaner, smarter, more environmentally sustainable businesses.”
About 60 per cent of federal-level suppliers already collect sustainability data for their products.
Picture: Tanya Plibersek/X