The possibilities and implementation practice of sustainable procurement in Local Government Engineering Department (LGED)

Abstract

Sustainable Procurement (SP) incorporates environmental, social, and economic sustainability into procurement methods, guaranteeing long-term advantages for public sector entities. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Bangladesh is crucial in the development of rural, urban, and water infrastructure via comprehensive procurement initiatives. Nonetheless, current public procurement systems lack systematic frameworks to evaluate contractors' environmental and social performance, obstructing the incorporation of sustainability principles. This study examines the potential and implementation practices of SP within LGED, highlighting significant problems including insufficient policy enforcement, limited knowledge, and budgetary constraints. The results demonstrate that whereas Development Partner (DP)-funded projects integrate sustainability measures, Government of Bangladesh (GOB)-funded projects predominantly emphasize social and ethical dimensions, frequently overlooking environmental and economic factors. Enhancing sustainability in public procurement necessitates a comprehensive policy framework, robust governmental commitment, and capacity-building programs for stakeholders. The report advocates for strategic measures, such as sustainable procurement policies, contractor assessment criteria, and training initiatives, to promote the implementation of sustainable practices within LGED. Additionally, collaboration with development partners, private sector stakeholders, and regulatory bodies can facilitate knowledge exchange and resource mobilization to support sustainable procurement initiatives. In summary, incorporating sustainability into public procurement is crucial for realizing sustainable economic, environmental, and social advantages. Despite existing limitations, effective policy interventions and capacity-building initiatives can markedly enhance sustainable procurement processes within LGED. Additional research is advised to investigate the long-term effects of SP implementation, evaluate the efficacy of suggested interventions, and determine optimal strategies for expanding sustainable procurement throughout Bangladesh's public sector.