This study aims to examine the extent of green public procurement (GPP) adoption in Portuguese public higher education institutions (HEIs) by identifying key drivers, barriers and strategies that influence its practical implementation for environmental sustainability, as perceived by top-level procurement decision-makers.
An exploratory research design was used, using a Web-based survey administered to top-level management bodies of 34 Portuguese public HEIs. It was assumed that they were the most relevant decision-makers on procurement matters in these institutions. The survey collected data on sustainability policies of those HEIs, GPP practices, organizational responsibilities, GPP drivers and barriers and evaluation mechanisms.
About 47% of the total Portuguese public HEIs have participated in this study. Results show that 92% of respondent HEIs have established sustainability policies, yet only 42% systematically monitor sustainability-related costs or operate formal evaluation systems. GPP implementation varies across procurement categories, with stronger adoption observed for print and paper products. Responsibilities for GPP are often fragmented across departments, constraining coordinated implementation. Key drivers include adopting best practices, effective environmental and financial management and knowledge management related to GPP. Significant barriers, on the other hand, include limited leadership commitment, resistance to change and the complexity of applying green criteria.
The findings underscore the need for stronger institutional leadership, clearer sustainability metrics for GPP, enhanced interdepartmental collaboration, knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement and supportive policy frameworks to improve GPP implementation in these institutions.
This study contributes to novel empirical evidence on GPP implementation in higher education, addressing a significant research gap in the Portuguese context and offering sector-specific insights into the role of public procurement in advancing institutional environmental sustainability.
