Impact Policy Tracker Policy

National Policy on Sustainable Consumption and Production 2018-2030



Costa Rica stands out in Latin America for its comprehensive and well-coordinated approach to Sustainable Public Procurement. In 2018, it became the first country in the region to adopt a National Policy on Sustainable Consumption and Production, a landmark initiative that integrates international sustainability commitments with national development goals. The policy, implemented through Executive Decree No. 39310-2015, mandates that all public and private entities incorporate environmental, social, and economic sustainability criteria into their procurement processes. This regulatory foundation has helped align Costa Rica’s procurement strategy with global priorities such as the SDGs and the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP).



Highlights

  • Strong and Coordinated Institutional Governance: As part of the decree that enacted Costa Rica’s National Sustainable Public Procurement Strategy, the government created the National Steering Committee for Sustainable Procurement (CDNCPS). Chaired by the Ministry of Finance and composed of formally designated representatives from the Ministries of Environment and Energy (MINAE), Labour and Social Security (MTSS), and Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC), the committee is responsible for approving, overseeing, and continuously improving the policy and its action plan. Its creation ensures high-level coordination and institutional alignment across the public sector.

  • Capacity-building as a cornerstone of implementation: To support adoption, Costa Rica invested in training and technical assistance for procurement officers. In 2019 alone, over 850 public officials were trained on SPP-related topics, supported by online tools and resources developed by the Ministry of Finance. These efforts aim to demystify SPP, standardise its application, and build confidence among procurement officers.

Government’s Role:
Market Participant


Country:
Costa Rica

Policy Type:
Public Procurement for Impact

Year: 2018

Responsible Institution:
Ministries of National Planning and Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN), Environment and Energy (MINAE) and Foreign Affairs (MREC)

Additional information:
Sustainable Public Procurement in Latin America and the Caribbean: Actions Towards Implementation

Costa Rica: First Latin American Country to Establish a National Policy on Sustainable Public Procurement

Public Procurement for Impact

What is Public Procurement for Impact?

Governments are among the major buyers of goods and services in most economies, with public procurement accounting for around 13% of GDP in OECD countries. This purchasing power gives them a unique opportunity to promote positive environmental and social outcomes. By moving beyond a traditional cost-focused approach to one centred on “value for money”, they can drive meaningful environmental and social change. This shift considers not only price but also the broader impacts of procurement decisions across the entire lifecycle of goods and services.

To institutionalise this approach, many jurisdictions have developed frameworks and strategies for Sustainable and Socially Responsible Public Procurement (SPP and SRPP), aligning public spending with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts are often supported by capacity-building initiatives, training programmes, and practical guidance to help procurement officials and suppliers define and measure social and environmental value. Tools such as standardised cost units and certification labels for impact-driven businesses can further support the assessment and verification of social impact in procurement decisions.

For more information on public procurement with impact, visit Social procurement to promote social problem solving (2023) and How Public Procurement Can Spur the Social Economy (2021)