Environmentally sustainable public procurement in Colombia: environmental criteria and sustainable development goal 12

Abstract

Objective: this article analyzes whether Colombia’s current regulatory framework on environmental clauses in the context of State contractual activities aligns with the Sustainable Development principles outlined in Goal 12 of the 2030 Agenda, which promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns. Method: through an evaluative methodology, the study examines the Colombian regulatory framework on environmentally sustainable public procurement, with a particular focus on its alignment with the goals of Goal 12, including a critical analysis of its normative content and practical application in public contracting. Results: the findings reveal that Colombia’s regulatory framework is largely aligned with the principles of Goal 12 and its related targets, positioning environmental clauses as an effective instrument to advance the achievement of this goal within the timeframe established by the 2030 Agenda. Conclusions: the implementation of environmentally responsible contractual clauses should not be confined to the temporal scope of the 2030 Agenda. Instead, this process must be envisioned as a continuous and evolving strategy that fosters a Public Procurement System respectful of the environment, promotes sustainable consumption patterns, and ensures that future generations can meet their needs. Practical implications include strengthening institutional and operational capacities for the effective design and implementation of these clauses, significantly contributing to the transition toward more sustainable development models. © 2024, Simon Bolivar University (Barranquilla). All rights reserved.