Advancing green public procurement (GPP) criteria: a conceptual framework for GPP performance evaluation in public institutions
Renas Ayebono Atanga, Joshua Ayarkwa, Dickson Osei-Asibey, Ivy Maame A. Abu, Afua Ampofowaa Ennin, Benjamin Baah, Tonny OgrahPurpose
Green Public Procurement (GPP) is key to advancing sustainable development, yet its performance evaluation remains limited. This study addresses this gap by identifying evaluation criteria and developing a conceptual framework that structures and integrates them across the procurement process
Design/methodology/approach
Using the PRISMA protocol, a systematic review was conducted across four major databases: Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, identifying 28 papers. The data were analysed using thematic analysis in Excel.
Findings
Six categories of criteria were identified: organisational, technical, environmental, resource, economic, and logistics. These extend evaluation beyond cost to include eco-design, life-cycle costing, reverse logistics, and biodiversity. The framework links GPP performance evaluation criteria to procurement stages, from planning to disposal, supported by institutional oversight and feedback loops that enable their consistent application, strengthening GPP performance.
Research limitations/implications
The study, based on published literature, develops a conceptual framework which may not fully capture practical variations in GPP evaluation criteria. Future research should focus on empirically validating the framework and developing clear metrics and weighting systems to support its application across institutions and regions.
Practical implications
The framework provides practitioners with a structured basis for integrating environmental criteria into supplier selection, contract management, and post-contract evaluation, while emphasising monitoring and disposal for long-term value. Capacity gaps in areas such as life-cycle costing and eco-design have been identified, indicating the need for targeted training and clear, evidence-based evaluation metrics.
Social implications
The study develops a practical framework for public institutions to integrate GPP performance evaluation criteria across procurement stages. This is relevant for students and public sector workers, as it reduces exposure to harmful substances and improves health and safety conditions. It enhances demand for compliant green suppliers, supporting local businesses.
Originality/value
The study synthesises and organises fragmented GPP criteria and develops a practical, adaptable framework for evaluating GPP performance throughout the procurement process. The study links existing criteria to key procurement stages and provides a clearer, more structured basis for implementing and evaluating GPP performance in public institutions.