What criteria are used in green procurement for evaluating products?

• A. Brand popularity, color, and packaging
• B. Short-term price only
• C. Life cycle impacts, certifications (e.g., ENERGY STAR, FSC), embodied energy, recycled content, supplier sustainability
• D. Aesthetic appeal and fashion

Answer: (C)

In green procurement, the focus is on how a product performs environmentally across its entire life cycle and on verified sustainability credentials. Evaluating life cycle impacts means looking at the full footprint from raw material extraction through manufacturing, transport, use, and end-of-life disposal. This helps you understand the real environmental cost, not just a single attribute at purchase.

Certifications provide independent verification of claims. ENERGY STAR indicates energy efficiency, while FSC certification ensures responsible forest management. These standards help buyers trust that the product meets recognized environmental benchmarks.

Embodied energy looks at the energy required to produce the product, including materials and processes, which often reveals hidden environmental costs. Recycled content shows how much material is sourced from recycled sources, reducing the demand for new virgin materials and often lowering overall environmental impact. Supplier sustainability considers the practices of the entire supply chain—policies, auditing, and continuous improvement—so that environmental performance isn’t limited to the product alone but is supported by responsible production and sourcing.

Other options—focusing on brand popularity, color, packaging, short-term price, or aesthetics—don’t reliably indicate a product’s environmental performance and long-term sustainability.