Journal: Environmental Contaminants Reviews (ECR)
Author: Casandra Okogwu, Mercy Odochi Agho, Mojisola Abimbola Adeyinka, Sodrudeen Abolore Ayodeji, Chibuike Daraojimba

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Doi:10.26480/ecr.02.2023.116.125

ABSTRACT

In an era marked by escalating environmental concerns and the pressing need for sustainable practices, this paper delves into the transformative potential of decarbonisation in enhancing sustainable procurement practices, with a specific focus on the U.S. context. The study commences with a comprehensive overview of the prevailing procurement practices in the U.S., elucidating their environmental ramifications, particularly in terms of carbon emissions. The discourse then transitions to the broader implications of decarbonisation on a global scale, highlighting its multifaceted benefits beyond mere carbon reduction. Central to the paper’s narrative is the exploration of how decarbonisation can catalyse sustainable procurement. By integrating decarbonisation strategies into procurement processes, entities can mitigate their environmental footprint, realise long-term economic advantages, foster innovation, and fortify stakeholder relationships. However, this metamorphosis lacks challenges, ranging from organisational inertia and economic considerations to stakeholder apprehensions. The paper furnishes a blueprint for policymakers and industry leaders, guiding them through sustainable procurement’s intricacies and spotlighting its potential boons and inherent challenges. The study offers tangible exemplars of sustainable procurement’s potential through real-world case studies, illustrating how diverse entities can effectuate meaningful change. The paper concludes with a call to action for stakeholders, emphasising the collective effort required to transition towards sustainable procurement practices. This study underscores the pivotal role of sustainable procurement, underpinned by decarbonisation, in steering the U.S. and, by extension, the global community, towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

KEYWORDS
Decarbonisation, Sustainable Procurement, Environmental Impact, Stakeholder Engagement, U.S. Procurement Practices.