Purchasing Power: How Government Can Lead the Way to a Low-Carbon Economy

Originally aired April 22, 2021

U.S. government purchases account for nearly a quarter of GDP — and state and local governments add billions more. By favoring low-carbon choices in buildings, vehicles, energy, and other purchases, the public sector can reshape supply chains, expand markets for climate-friendly products, and lead the way to a low-carbon economy aligned with Paris Climate Agreement goals. This webinar describes the current state of sustainable public procurement, identifies barriers and facilitators, and offers concrete strategies for boosting sustainability in government purchasing.

Speakers

Nicole Darnall

Associate Dean of Faculty Success; Co-Founder, ASU Sustainable Purchasing Research Initiative; Regents Professor, School of Sustainability, Arizona State University

Nicole Darnall is a Regents Professor and Associate Dean at Arizona State University and co-founder of ASU’s Sustainable Purchasing Research Initiative. Her research shows that government product purchases carry a carbon footprint nine times that of buildings and vehicle fleets, making procurement one of the most powerful levers for reducing institutional carbon impacts and reshaping supply chains.

Sarah O’Brien

Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC)

Sarah O’Brien is CEO of the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, a nonprofit that convenes buyers, suppliers, and public interest advocates to develop programs that simplify and standardize sustainable purchasing. An expert on sustainable procurement of electronics and other product categories, she works with governments and large institutions to translate sustainability ambitions into measurable purchasing policies.

Adina Torberntsson

Procurement Analyst, Office of Governmentwide Policy, General Services Administration (GSA)

Adina Torberntsson is a Procurement Analyst in GSA’s Office of Governmentwide Policy, where she co-chairs the interagency Sustainable Acquisition and Materials Management Practices (SAMM) Working Group. The group provides recommendations and best practices on sustainable acquisition to federal agencies. With experience both as a contracting officer and policy analyst, she helps agencies embed sustainability into everyday procurement decisions.