Government procurement has helped drive the market towards more sustainable and innovative products. The federal government has required, for example, that all new federal facilities meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification standards. Next month, the country’s leaders in the government procurement process will be recognized for their efforts at the 2010 Excellence in Partnership Awards ceremony. By working with Carbonfund.org and with a generous donation from Office Depot, the Coalition for Government Procurement has calculated and offset the show’s carbon footprint by supporting third-party validated carbon reduction projects. This year’s awards will also highlight two sustainability leaders with Green Contractor Awards (read more on this year’s winners soon). If the companies highlighted next month are any indication, expect government procurement to continue to help lead the nation towards a sustainable future. If you're interested in attending this year's ceremony, please contact the Coalition for Government Procurement here.