Operational Services Division (OSD) - Climate and Sustainability

Our mission is to advance sustainability and combat climate change through strategic procurement practices. We are dedicated to integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into all stages of the procurement lifecycle to achieve long-term sustainability goals while fostering innovation and driving positive change in supply chains.  

Through collaboration with stakeholders, implementation of best practices, and leveraging market influence, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, promote renewable energy, support sustainable business practices, and enhance resilience to climate-related risks. Through leading by example and influencing our vendor community, we strive to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all in the Commonwealth. 

The primary objective of the OSD Climate and Sustainability Unit is to implement comprehensive strategies in the public procurement process that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the root cause of climate change, and to support a transition to low-carbon and sustainable practices. 

To achieve this objective, the OSD Climate and Sustainability Unit aims to utilize public procurement as a tool for addressing climate change. The unit is actively collaborating with vendors and buyers to raise awareness and foster commitment to, and engagement in, climate mitigation strategies and innovative sustainability practices.  

The unit focuses on fostering collaboration among stakeholders to promote environmental responsibility, sustainable sourcing, and the development of new climate solutions, ultimately aimed at reducing environmental impact with a reliance on data-driven decision making and measurable results. 

To achieve these objectives, we plan to:  

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of energy usage and carbon emissions within vendor processes and establish clear benchmarks and measurable targets for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability practices. (i.e. Baseline Assessment). 

2. Develop an emission reporting framework to assess vendors' environmental performance, considering factors such as energy efficiency, waste management, and transportation emissions. (i.e. Vendor Emission Measures) 

Zazy Atallah, Director of Climate and Sustainability Unit

Michelle Broussard, Director of Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program 

Julia Wolfe, Director of Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program