2005 September Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and
Sustainable Development Chapter 6—Green Procurement What we
examined Green procurement involves buying goods and services
that are less harmful to human health and the environment than
competing products that serve the same purpose. We examined
efforts to promote and support green procurement across the
federal government, including guidance to departments on how to
address green procurement in their sustainable development
strategies. We also looked at the approach taken by eight
departments and agencies in their strategies and the progress
made on specific commitments by three departments. Why it's
important The federal government is one of the largest
purchasers of goods and services in Canada, spending a reported
$13 billion each year. This means that greening federal
procurement can deliver substantial benefits. The government can
significantly reduce the environmental burdens of its operations
by buying goods that are energy efficient, for