What percentage of new contract actions must require energy-efficient, water-efficient, or environmentally preferable products?

The correct answer indicates that 95% of new contract actions must require energy-efficient, water-efficient, or environmentally preferable products. This high percentage aligns with federal initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact through government procurement processes. The focus on such products reflects a commitment to green purchasing, which is emphasized in various policies and legislation, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and initiatives from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Requiring such a large percentage of environmentally friendly products helps to ensure that government agencies play a significant role in fostering sustainable practices. It also encourages vendors to prioritize green product offerings to remain competitive in the federal contracting space. By setting the bar at 95%, the government signals a strong preference for sustainability, pushing the market toward innovative solutions that will benefit both the environment and public sector operations. This ultimately contributes to broader goals related to climate change and resource conservation.