Environmental Attributes of the Supplier

When you're competing for federal contracts, your environmental credentials matter more than ever. Environmental attributes of the supplier encompass the certifications, management systems, and documented practices that prove your organization takes environmental responsibility seriously—and in Canadian procurement, these qualifications increasingly determine whether you even make it to the evaluation stage.

How It Works

The foundation here is ISO 14001 certification, an internationally recognized environmental management system standard. According to Canada's mandatory criteria for green procurement, suppliers can demonstrate their environmental attributes in two ways: register under ISO 14001, or meet at least 4 out of 7 alternative environmental criteria throughout the duration of a standing offer or supply arrangement. These criteria include having waste reduction targets, plastic reduction plans, and commitments to reducing hazardous chemicals in your operations.

The requirements have gotten tougher. The Standard on the Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Setting of Reduction Targets, which took effect April 1, 2023, now requires major suppliers on contracts over $25 million to disclose their GHG emissions and set reduction targets. This aligns with the government's broader Greening Government Strategy and means your environmental attributes need to include not just systems and policies, but measurable data and commitments.

PSPC's Supply Manual Section 4.10.15h establishes that bid solicitations must include clear certification requirements—and environmental certifications fall squarely into this category. You'll see these requirements spelled out in the solicitation documents, often as mandatory criteria that eliminate non-compliant bidders before evaluation even begins. As of 2022, about 46% of PSPC standing offers already incorporate environmental considerations, a proportion that continues to grow as the Policy on Green Procurement matures since its 2006 introduction.

Key Considerations

• ISO 14001 certification takes time—typically 6-18 months from start to finish. If you're targeting federal opportunities and don't have it yet, start the process now rather than scrambling when you see a promising tender.

• Meeting "4 out of 7" alternative criteria isn't necessarily easier than getting ISO certified. You need documented policies, evidence of implementation, and the ability to maintain compliance throughout multi-year arrangements.

• The $25 million GHG disclosure threshold catches many suppliers off guard. Even if your initial contract value seems lower, amendments and extensions can push you over that line, triggering disclosure obligations mid-contract.

• Environmental attributes must be current and verifiable. Expired certifications or outdated environmental management plans will disqualify your bid, regardless of your technical or financial strength.

Related Terms

Green Procurement, Mandatory Criteria, Standing Offer

Sources

• Mandatory criteria for green procurement - Canada.ca

• Standard on the Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Setting of Reduction Targets

• Government of Canada Supply Manual

Your environmental credentials aren't just nice-to-have differentiators anymore—they're increasingly the entry ticket to federal procurement opportunities. Start building these attributes now, before they become barriers to your growth.