Shared Services Canada marks 11 years of excellence in responsible environmental IT procurement
Shared Services Canada (SSC) has once again earned recognition from the Global Electronics Council (GEC) for our leadership in sustainable electronics procurement—marking 11 consecutive years of excellence.
As the second-largest procurement department, we continue to lead the way in environmentally responsible purchasing by prioritizing suppliers that design, manufacture, package and recycle electronics sustainably. This approach helps reduce the environmental footprint of government operations while promoting responsible supply chains.
Reducing environmental impact through green procurement
GEC’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is a global ecolabel that evaluates the lifecycle of electronic and technology products—from how they’re made to how they’re recycled. It applies to products like computers, servers, networking equipment and mobile phones. EPEAT-certified products use less energy, contain fewer toxic materials, last longer and are easier to recycle. They also meet high standards for labour and human rights throughout the supply chain.
“As the Government of Canada’s IT service provider, SSC is committed to lead by example. By striving to reduce emissions, minimize electronic waste and incorporate sustainability considerations into procurement decisions, we are helping to protect the environment and support Canada’s climate goals. These efforts not only enhance our procurement operations—it’s about safeguarding our planet for future generations.”
How sustainable procurement benefits Canadians
In fiscal year 2024-25, SSC procured 364,994 EPEAT-certified products. These purchases are projected to save over $5.1 million by reducing energy use, extending product life and lowering disposal costs. We’re ensuring cost savings and reducing inefficiencies while ensuring sound environmental procurement for Canadians.
Procurement officers drive SSC’s green procurement success
SSC’s procurement officers are helping make government IT purchases more sustainable. They create procurement strategies that prioritize reduced environmental impact, evaluate suppliers for their commitment to sustainability and include green procurement requirements in contracts.
“Sustainable procurement goes beyond choosing environmentally friendly products and services—it’s a commitment to creating lasting, positive change for future generations. By integrating environmental, social and economic responsibility into every decision, our procurement experts are contributing to a greener, stronger and more sustainable Canada.”
Collaboration is central to this success. Our procurement officers collaborate closely with IT specialists and policy advisors to ensure each purchase supports Canada’s environmental priorities. Together, they continuously seek opportunities to improve procurement practices and maximize environmental benefits through responsible and sustainable decision making.
By turning policy into action, SSC’s procurement officers set a high standard for sustainable, forward-thinking government procurement.
Looking ahead: Building a greener future
SSC is proud of this achievement, but we’re not stopping here. We plan to buy even more sustainable IT products, work with suppliers who share our environmental values and find new ways to reduce waste and energy use. We’ll keep improving how we track the impact of our purchases and help Canada move closer to its 2050 net-zero emissions goal. By setting clear goals and taking action toward them, we’re building a greener future.
Learn more
Explore how SSC is making IT greener—visit the Greening at SSC page on Canada.ca. Need advice on sustainable and green procurement practices? Reach out to our Social Procurement Unit at eitpsocialprocurement-approvisionnementsocialatie@ssc-spc.gc.ca.