Annex 3 Study from Arizona State University on SP in local governments ( From UNEP's Sustainable Global Procurement: 2022 Global Review)

Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) is gaining momentum as an essential policy tool for addressing environmental and social challenges. While national governments have traditionally led SPP efforts, local governments are increasingly adopting these practices to drive sustainability at the community level. This report presents findings from a global study conducted by the Sustainable Purchasing Research Initiative (SPRI) at Arizona State University, in collaboration with universities from Australia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and the United States.

Through a comprehensive survey of over 2,500 local government directors, this study identifies the primary drivers and barriers to SPP adoption. Four key factors emerge as critical for successful SPP implementation: (1) complementary sustainability policies, (2) established procurement criteria, (3) access to sustainability-related information, and (4) access to external resources and support. The findings highlight that local governments with robust sustainability frameworks are more likely to integrate SPP into their procurement strategies.

This report provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and international organizations on how to enhance SPP adoption at the local level. By leveraging procurement as a mechanism for sustainability, governments can foster green innovation, reduce environmental impact, and promote social responsibility in supply chains.