Green public procurement as an initiative for sustainable consumption. An exploratory study of Spanish public universities

摘要: Abstract Green public procurement has been considered an important policy instrument on the path toward realizing sustainable consumption and production. Additionally, universities are to promotion of through their positive effects students other stakeholders. This paper analyses contribution Public Procurement initiatives, from both external internal perspectives. From perspective, how express “green” image outwardly analysed. The results show that 21.5% have put into practice different initiatives related green (having a manual), 72.5% them department in charge environmental subjects. currently position themselves terms policies reveal generally include criteria contract specifications they regularly organise awareness media campaigns. reflect perceptions people promoting inside universities; however, may or not be involved institution's mission. value this lies its knowledge implemented at higher education institutions can contribute using theoretical practical approaches. biggest obstacle was difficulty locating universities' websites also lack uniformity for comparison, dissemination communication environment-related activities. conclusions is relatively new activity Spain, especially relation consumption; it needs studied thoroughly because prompt policymakers increase practices adoption measures actually consumption.