Assessing sustainability maturity in public procurement: a case study of a Brazilian educational institution

Purpose This study aims to investigate the sustainability maturity of procurement processes in a public educational institution in Brazil. It also aims to assess the extent to which sustainability criteria are integrated into procurement decisions and identify patterns that influence sustainability maturity levels. By analyzing the procurement data, this study provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for advancing sustainability in public procurement. Design/methodology/approach The research follows a structured four-step methodology. First, a systematic literature review using the PRISMA protocol identified sustainability criteria and guided the development of the sustainable maturity model. Second, procurement documents from January to December 2024 were collected and analyzed. Third, content analysis categorized sustainability criteria within the procurement processes. Finally, statistical analysis examined patterns and associations between variables. This mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, ensured a comprehensive evaluation of sustainability maturity levels within procurement activities. Findings Results indicate that most procurement processes exhibit a basic level of sustainability maturity (Level 1), with many lacking key sustainability criteria. Material procurement demonstrated a higher level of integration of sustainability, facilitated by standardized guidelines, such as Brazil’s National Guide for Sustainable Procurement. However, customized criteria demonstrated greater sustainability maturity, emphasizing the need for context-specific adaptations. The most common criteria were compliance with legislation, working conditions and risk management, driven by regulatory obligations. Advanced environmental criteria, such as waste management and product life cycle, were rarely applied. Additionally, social and governance-related aspects were underrepresented, highlighting gaps in holistic sustainability adoption. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a single public educational institution, which limits the generalizability of its findings. The analysis is restricted to procurement documents from 2024, which may not capture long-term trends. Additionally, the study primarily relies on document analysis, which may potentially exclude informal sustainability practices. Future research should expand to include multiple institutions and explore computational tools to automate sustainability assessments. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into sustainability maturity in procurement, serving as a foundation for further investigations on how public procurement can contribute to broader sustainability goals. Practical implications The findings highlight the need for public institutions to enhance sustainability integration in procurement processes. While standardized guidelines facilitate basic sustainability adoption, customized criteria demonstrate a higher level of maturity, suggesting the importance of institutional flexibility. The study underscores the need for training procurement professionals on sustainability practices and improving monitoring mechanisms. Policymakers can use these insights to refine procurement policies, ensuring a stronger alignment with sustainability goals. Enhancing sustainability maturity in procurement can lead to more responsible resource use, better risk management, and greater alignment with national and international sustainability frameworks. Social implications Sustainable procurement plays a crucial role in promoting social responsibility and equitable development. This study reveals gaps in the adoption of social and governance-related criteria, highlighting the need for policies that strengthen labor rights, ethical sourcing, and supplier diversity. By incorporating broader dimensions of social sustainability, public procurement can improve working conditions and reduce inequalities. The findings support the argument that procurement can be leveraged as a tool for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those related to decent work, responsible consumption, and institutional transparency. Originality/value This study provides a novel contribution by assessing sustainability maturity in public procurement using a structured methodology. It bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications, offering a model that can be adapted across institutions. The research highlights the role of customized sustainability criteria in enhancing maturity levels, which has been underexplored in previous studies. By identifying gaps in the adoption of social and environmental criteria, the study provides actionable insights for improving procurement strategies. The findings reinforce the strategic importance of procurement in advancing sustainability, particularly within public institutions committed to the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals.