Public spending in Vietnam represents between 20 to 30 percent of the total financial budget of the State. Given the sizable public procurement budget, the kinds of goods, works and services the Government of Vietnam purchases can have considerable influence in shaping the social, economic and environmental landscape. This is particularly the case for sectors or product categories where government accounts for the largest market share. In this sense, the procurement of sustainable products and services could enable the Government of Vietnam to meet its key sustainable development objectives outlined above, as well as other social, economic and environmental goals defined in other strategies, policies and legislation.
To ensure SPP for key purchases, environmental, social, and economic criteria should be applied, in this case, to determine sustainable LEDs. Although LED lights have been currently promoted in both production and consumption due to their advantages in energy savings, mercury-free production, and good quality of light, the production and disposal process of LED lights still have some environmentally adverse impacts. LED lights still have a measureable amount of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) and other toxic chemical compounds with a high possibility of creating environmental pollution. This guidance details criteria on technical specifications for LED lights, inclusive of sustainability requirements.