Environmental Sustainability in Public Procurement Processes: A Study Guided by The Paradigms of The New Law on Tenders and Contracts

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the incorporation of environmental sustainability criteria in public procurement processes, aiming to assess the impact of these criteria on the effectiveness of procurements under the New Public Procurement and Contracting Law. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on concepts of environmental sustainability and sustainable public procurement. Theories of sustainable development and principles of sustainability in public administration are highlighted, providing a solid foundation for the analysis. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes a qualitative approach, using the deductive method. Data collection was conducted through a critical analysis of bibliographic materials indexed on platforms evaluated by Capes, as well as legislative documents and relevant doctrines on the subject. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that the New Public Procurement and Contracting Law presents significant advances in integrating sustainability into public procurement processes through the explicit inclusion of environmental sustainability criteria. However, the effective implementation of these criteria faces important challenges, mainly related to the training of public agents and the adaptation of existing structures to new demands. The discussion contextualizes these results in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the identified implications and relationships. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of public procurement. These implications encompass areas such as public policies, professional training, and sustainable development. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the relevance of the New Public Procurement and Contracting Law in promoting sustainable practices in public procurement. The originality of the research lies in the critical analysis of the challenges and advances provided by the new legislation, highlighting its potential impact on sustainable development.