Sustainable procurement provides one avenue for promoting broader sustainability and sustainable development principles.
A widely accepted definition of sustainable development is "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."1
Sustainable development, or ecologically sustainable development, means using, conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained and quality of life for both present and future generations is increased.
To achieve sustainable development, we must consider and balance three equally important aspects; social, environmental and economic.
Procurement can play a key role in contributing to the principles of ecologically sustainable development. Government procurement markets are significant, and this expenditure presents a considerable opportunity to progress sustainability principles.
More information
For more information contact us on (07) 3235 4333 or betterprocurement@qgcpo.qld.gov.au.
1 World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987, "Our Common Future"