How is "sustainable procurement" defined in the context of the Green 7 Protocol?

Sustainable procurement is defined in the Green 7 Protocol context as sourcing products and services with minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. This definition emphasizes the importance of considering not only the economic aspects of purchasing but also the environmental and social implications. When organizations engage in sustainable procurement, they look for products that are designed to be environmentally friendly, efficient in resource use, and have a lower carbon footprint. This approach encourages suppliers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices and helps organizations reduce their overall environmental impact.

The focus on minimizing environmental impact means that all stages of a product's life, from raw material extraction to production, transportation, use, and eventual disposal or recycling, are taken into account. This holistic view ensures that decisions made during the procurement process contribute positively to sustainability goals and align with broader environmental objectives.

Other options such as sourcing the cheapest products, purchasing only local goods, or acquiring goods with the highest profit margin do not capture the comprehensive view of sustainability. They may focus purely on economic factors without considering the environmental and social impacts that are crucial to sustainable procurement practices.