The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) presents Sustainable Acquisition for Federal Agencies, a new training course.

This online course was developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Sustainability Support to provide staff involved in specifying and purchasing with a thorough introduction to compliance requirements, processes, and tools for procuring sustainable products and services. Learners receive specific guidance about how to meet executive order and Federal Acquisition Regulation requirements and how sustainable acquisition benefits their agencies and communities and the environment.

In addition, learners will gain a better understanding of the requirements, available resources, best practices, and information pertaining to sustainable acquisition contract language.

By completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Identify the purpose and benefits of federal sustainable acquisition goals and mandates
  • Develop a purchasing strategy as part of an Environmental Management System
  • Build internal agency programs, processes, and tools to support sustainable acquisition
  • Integrate sustainable acquisition best practices into contracts and purchase agreements
  • Locate and buy designated products and services to meet reporting requirements.

The instructor for this course is Shabnam Fardanesh, the sustainable acquisition coordinator at DOE's Office of Sustainability Support, and Sandra Cannon, technical content expert for DOE's Office of Sustainability Support Sustainable Acquisition Program.

After completing a course evaluation and multiple-choice assessment, participants will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible for continuing education units. 

FEMP training courses are designed for federal energy and facility managers, but are open to all individuals through the FEMP Training Catalog. Courses are hosted in partnership with the National Institute of Building Sciences Whole Building Design Guide.

Requires Google Chrome, Firefox 4.0+, Internet Explorer 7.0+ or Safari, and the Adobe Flash 9+ plugin. 

For other free, self-paced training courses offered by FEMP in association with the Whole Building Design Guide, visit the FEMP Training Catalog.