Public entities
In Minnesota, most sustainable purchasing requirements are implemented at the local government level. However, there are some state requirements for public entities. Minnesota state law (Minn. Stat. 16C.073) requires all public entities to follow environmentally preferable printing practices, including use of chlorine-free, uncoated paper with a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content, among other requirements.
State agencies
Through the Sustainable Procurement Program Charter, all cabinet agencies are asked to:
- use sustainable state contracts that meet agency business needs
- support the principles of sustainable procurement established in the charter
- participate in contract user groups and provide feedback on contract terms when appropriate
- participate in the quarterly Solid Waste and Procurement Workgroup meetings
State agencies must follow statutes and executive orders related to sustainable purchasing:
- Executive Order 19-27 establishes a sustainable procurement goal that 25% of total spending on priority contracts must be sustainable purchases by 2025.
- Minnesota Statute 106C.0725 gives a 10% price preference for products containing post-consumer recycled content and durable, reusable, recyclable, and less-toxic products, encouraging purchasers to write specifications for these products.
- Minnesota Statute 325E.387 mandates the availability of products free of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), which have been used in a wide variety of products as a flame retardant.
- State agencies have sustainability requirements beyond sustainable procurement set by Executive Order 19-27. The Office of Enterprise Sustainability helps state agencies meet sustainability goals.
Federal government
Federal government entities are required to follow the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines.