Sustainable procurement an important step towards net zero emissions

Thursday, 10 August 2023

A new Sustainable Procurement Policy has been implemented across the State Government’s infrastructure and transport programs as we continue working to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Procurement of climate-smart goods and services will not only be crucial for government to reduce its own carbon footprint, but is also an important factor in driving the transition to a low emission economy. By using its procurement power to support suppliers who offer low carbon products, the South Australian Government can help to create viable markets for these products and foster the growth of climate-smart businesses in South Australia.

The introduction of this new policy by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport will ensure sustainability risks and opportunities are identified as part of the department’s procurement process, and appropriate measures implemented to address them, such as:

* Requesting low emission or carbon neutral goods and services

* Assessing suppliers’ commitment and capacity to deliver low-emission outcomes during tender evaluations

* Requiring suppliers who operate vehicle fleets as part of service delivery contracts to participate in the Government’s EV Fleet Pledge program

* Including emission reduction targets and KPIs in long-term contracts.

Additionally, from mid-2024, the department will require all contractors bidding on work over $50 million to have organisational emission reduction targets that address emissions from their own fuel and electricity use as well as in their supply chain.

The DIT Sustainable Procurement Policy will work in conjunction with existing sustainability requirements to ensure the department’s procurement activities contribute to the Government’s vision for a green economy. The department continues to work with suppliers and industry bodies to remove barriers and increase demand for low carbon construction materials.

To find out more about the DIT Sustainable Procurement Policy, please visit https://dit.sa.gov.au/contractor-documents/sustainable-procurement