Subpart 23.5
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
FAR Subpart 23.5 requires federal contractors to address and disclose greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks in certain solicitations, supporting government sustainability goals.
Overview
FAR Subpart 23.5 addresses requirements related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in federal contracting. Its purpose is to integrate climate-related considerations into the acquisition process, ensuring that contractors are aware of and, where applicable, disclose their GHG emissions and climate-related financial risks. This subpart establishes policy, outlines when and how GHG-related provisions must be included in solicitations, and supports the federal government’s broader sustainability and climate risk reduction goals.
Key Rules
- Scope of Subpart (23.500)
- Defines the applicability of GHG emission requirements to federal contracts, focusing on integrating climate considerations into procurement.
- Policy (23.501)
- Establishes the federal policy to reduce GHG emissions and require contractors to disclose relevant emissions and climate-related financial risks when specified.
- Solicitation Provision (23.502)
- Requires inclusion of specific solicitation provisions that address GHG emissions disclosures and climate risk reporting, as applicable to the contract type and value.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must include appropriate GHG-related provisions in solicitations and ensure compliance with disclosure requirements.
- Contractors: Must comply with GHG emissions disclosure and reporting requirements when specified in the solicitation or contract.
- Agencies: Oversee implementation of GHG policies and ensure acquisition aligns with federal sustainability objectives.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to align federal procurement with climate and sustainability goals, increasing transparency and accountability for GHG emissions.
- Contractors may need to develop or enhance systems for tracking and reporting GHG emissions and climate-related risks.
- Common pitfalls include failing to include required provisions in solicitations or not providing timely and accurate disclosures.