Sustainable procurement is known, among other things, as sustainable procurement, sustainable development in procurement, sustainability in procurement and Corporate Social Responsibility in procurement. In broad terms it means taking full account of environmental, social and economic factors in public procurement.

The public sector across the UK buys £125 billion worth of goods and services each year. There is growing international interest in governments making better use of their purchasing power to help deliver policy goals. This ranges from stimulating demand for 'green' products, including products made from recycled material, to improving resource efficiency in operations.

Local authorities and other public bodies are responsible for much public procurement in Scotland. The Scottish Government Procurement Directorate promotes best practice across the public sector, and provides advice and support. New guidance will be issued to local authorities and other public sector bodies on how to incorporate sustainable development into procurement. The Sustainable Scotland Network will also introduce a new programme to encourage best practice in sustainable procurement by local authorities in Scotland.