If you work in local government and are looking for green procurement solutions, American City and County has a great resource for you: the ICLEI, otherwise known as Local Governments for Sustainability.

ICLEI is a large global network of local cities, counties and other regional or public agencies devoted to solving the world’s sustainability challenges.

The group offers standards, tools and programs that can help communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve lives and livelihoods and protect natural resources.

Angie Fyfe, executive director of ICLEI USA, says she is seeing more cities and counties taking action on the sustainability front in 2022.

“Leading local governments are evaluating the environmental and social impacts of their purchases, and developing goals, policies and tracking mechanisms related to sustainable and innovative procurement,” Fyfe says.

She goes on to say that these public agencies are including their purchasing operations within their sustainability initiatives, and her group is ready to assist local governments.

“ICLEI USA’s technical advisers support local and regional governments through quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with their supply chains. They can help public agencies develop strategies to reduce GHG emissions and improve operational efficiency.” She adds that ICLEI can help facilitate the sharing of best procurement practices with an agency’s peers.

If you work in local government, or know someone who does, and is interested in sustainable procurement, have a look here.