FAR 23.001—Definitions.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 23.001 provides the definitions that control how the rest of FAR Part 23 is read and applied. It defines three key terms: "environmental," "greenhouse gas," and "toxic chemical." "Environmental" is limited to the environmental aspects of internal agency operations and activities, including energy and transportation functions, which matters because it narrows the scope of what counts as environmental considerations under this part. "Greenhouse gas" identifies the specific gases covered for reporting, policy, or contract requirements tied to climate-related compliance. "Toxic chemical" incorporates by reference the chemicals and chemical categories listed in 40 CFR 372.65, linking FAR usage to EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory framework. In practice, these definitions matter because they determine when Part 23 requirements apply, what substances or activities are covered, and how agencies and contractors should interpret environmental, emissions, and chemical-reporting obligations.
Key Rules
Environmental is narrowly defined
For purposes of FAR Part 23, "environmental" means the environmental aspects of internal agency operations and activities. It specifically includes environmental aspects related to energy and transportation functions, so the term is not a broad reference to all environmental issues in government contracting.
Greenhouse gas list is specific
The term "greenhouse gas" covers only the gases named in the definition: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, nitrogen trifluoride, and sulfur hexafluoride. If a requirement in Part 23 uses this term, it applies to these listed gases.
Toxic chemical incorporates EPA list
"Toxic chemical" means a chemical or chemical category listed in 40 CFR 372.65. The FAR definition does not create its own list; it adopts the EPA list by reference, so users must consult the current regulatory text to identify covered chemicals.
Definitions control Part 23 interpretation
These terms are controlling definitions for the part, meaning they set the scope of later requirements in FAR Part 23. When a provision or clause uses one of these terms, the definition in 23.001 governs unless the text clearly provides otherwise.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officers
Use these definitions when applying FAR Part 23 requirements, drafting solicitations, and evaluating whether a requirement involves environmental, greenhouse gas, or toxic chemical issues. Ensure any solicitation or contract language aligns with the defined scope and the incorporated EPA list for toxic chemicals.
Contractors
Understand that Part 23 terms have specific regulatory meanings and do not assume ordinary-language definitions apply. Review contract requirements carefully to determine whether reporting, compliance, or performance obligations involve the listed greenhouse gases or EPA-listed toxic chemicals.
Agencies
Apply the definitions consistently in internal policy, acquisition planning, and contract administration for Part 23 matters. When agency programs address energy, transportation, emissions, or chemical-related requirements, use the FAR definitions and the incorporated EPA reference to avoid inconsistent interpretation.
Practical Implications
Do not read "environmental" as covering every sustainability or environmental concern; in this part it is limited to internal agency operations and activities, including energy and transportation functions.
When a requirement mentions greenhouse gases, check the exact list in the definition rather than assuming all emissions or air pollutants are included.
For toxic chemicals, always verify the current EPA list in 40 CFR 372.65; the covered chemicals can change through regulatory updates.
A common pitfall is treating these terms as general policy language instead of binding regulatory definitions that shape compliance obligations.
Contracting officers and contractors should confirm whether a Part 23 clause or solicitation provision actually triggers these definitions before building compliance plans or reporting systems.
Official Regulatory Text
As used in this part- Environmental means environmental aspects of internal agency operations and activities, including those aspects related to energy and transportation functions. Greenhouse gas means carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, nitrogen trifluoride, or sulfur hexafluoride. Toxic chemical means a chemical or chemical category listed in 40 CFR 372.65 .