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In this brief, we summarize our findings on some of the key barriers that prevent EU Member States (MS) from broadly practicing Green Public Procurement (GPP). We showcase best practices and solutions among eight MS and provide policy recommendations to strengthen governance, policies, monitoring and implementation to support greater GPP uptake in the EU’s road and construction sectors.
Photo: 50m. above / Unsplash
In the EU, government spending on works, goods and services amounted to about 15% of its GDP in 2020. EU’s enormous purchasing power provides significant leverage for public entities to send strong market signals supporting the green transition while mitigating the public sector’s environmental impacts. Since 2008, the European Commission has recognized Green Public Procurement (GPP) as a key policy instrument.
However, the implementation of GPP policies in EU Member States (MS) has been slow and still lags far below the European Commission’s target set in 2008 to make half of all public tendering procedures meet the core EU GPP criteria by 2010. The EU needs additional measures to ensure MS are on the right path to reaching the EU’s 2030 climate target of a net 55% reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is especially crucial in the road transport and construction sectors, due to their significant climate mitigation potential and sizeable public procurement volumes.
In 2022, SEI explored the GPP policy landscape and practices among eight EU MS with a focus on construction and road transport sectors: Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Estonia, Poland, Spain, Italy – countries representing a mix of those that have used GPP for several years or only just started; major and minor economies; and centralized and decentralized governance systems.
Event / Watch this informative webinar and discussion highlighting SEI's latest research on how green public procurement can advance the EU's climate goals.
SEI report / Green public procurement can help cut the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. This report details how to boost this policy tool in construction and road transport.
SEI brief / This policy brief compares France and Germany, which have set goals for green public procurement: France has national guidance, while Germany is less top-down.
SEI brief / This policy brief finds that while Estonia and Poland have set goals to grow green public procurement, few mandates exist to make them happen.
SEI brief / Green choices in public procurement can help EU Member States reach their climate goals. This brief compares the policies of Sweden and the Netherlands.
Project / This project uses case studies to generate lessons learned and foster stronger Green Public Procurement policy in EU member states.
Feature / An additional 6 million metric tons of plastic waste was generated in 2021 compared to 2019. SEI's Toby Gardner says decisive government action is needed.
SEI brief / A growing majority of the world's population lives in cities. That's why they're an ideal testing ground for circular economy policies, SEI researchers say.
Other publication / Green public procurement can accelerate emissions reductions. This paper provides an overview of policy design and target-setting methodologies.
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