FAR 23—Environment, Energy and Water Efficiency, Renewable Energy Technologies, Occupational Safety, and Drug-Free Workplace

Scope.

FAR 23.000 is the scope statement for FAR Part 23, which tells readers what this part is about and why it exists. It covers acquisition policies and procedures that support the Government’s environmental objectives, including protecting and improving environmental quality, promoting and expanding markets for sustainable products and services, and ensuring proper handling and notification of hazardous materials. In practice, this means Part 23 is the starting point for understanding how environmental considerations are built into federal buying decisions, from green purchasing and sustainability requirements to hazardous material controls and related notices. The section does not itself impose detailed operational requirements, but it frames the policy purpose for the more specific rules that follow in the rest of Part 23. For contracting officers, it signals that environmental and safety issues are not optional add-ons; for contractors, it signals that compliance with environmental, sustainability, and hazardous material requirements may be part of contract performance and offer preparation.

Subpart 23.1

Definitions.

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.

Subpart 23.2

Policy.

FAR 23.002 states the Government-wide policy direction for federal acquisition in the sustainability and clean energy space. It implements section 208(a) of Executive Order 14057 and tells agencies to use procurement to reduce emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions, promote environmental stewardship, support resilient supply chains, drive innovation, and incentivize markets for sustainable products and services. In practical terms, this section is not a detailed buying procedure by itself; it is the policy foundation that shapes later FAR Part 23 requirements, agency acquisition planning, and source selection considerations involving sustainable products, services, and practices. It signals that sustainability is a procurement objective, not just an environmental program goal, and that contracting decisions should support broader federal climate and resilience priorities. For contractors, it means agencies may increasingly look for lower-emission solutions, environmentally preferable offerings, and supply chains that can withstand disruption. For contracting officers and acquisition planners, it means sustainability considerations should be integrated early and consistently rather than added as an afterthought.

Subpart 23.3

Subpart 23.4

Subpart 23.5