Editor’s choice
Editor’s choice
Green Public Procurement (GPP) is the practice of purchasing goods and services with the aim of cutting carbon emissions and mitigating environmental harm. While the EU and many of its Member States have recognized GPP as an important tool to meet climate goals, the GPP policy at the EU level or in local and national governments is fragmented.
This report details how the EU can cut the climate impact of the construction and road transport sectors and strengthen GPP practices.
Photo: Max Langelott / Unsplash
Public procurement of goods and services contributes to about 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the EU, public purchasing represents 15% of its GDP, acting as a major influencer on the market through the products and services acquired by governments from the local to national levels. The public sector has a role to play in leveraging this purchasing power to achieve the best societal value for money, particularly as we scramble to bend the curve
of our planet’s warming.
Globally, the construction and transport sectors each represent about 12% of government procurements’ GHG emissions. Furthermore, these sectors’ decarbonization efforts demand profound and disruptive technological shifts. Hence, prioritizing these sectors can make the greatest impact towards reducing the environmental footprint of the public sector and support
faster decarbonization of key emitting industries. Meanwhile, the EU committed to achieving 55% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Drastic emissions reductions are needed at an unprecedented speed and scale to achieve this goal.
This report surveys the landscape of GPP in the EU, with a focus on construction and road transport. Through interviews and policy research, the authors compiled case studies of eight Member States with different profiles: Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Estonia, Poland, Spain and Italy. The authors used this information to identify solutions and best practices, and to set forth recommendations on how the EU and its countries can harmonize and strengthen their GPP policies on the path toward cutting their contributions to climate change.
SEI brief / The EU's approach to green public procurement is scattered, both across and within Member States. These 17 recommendations can harness GPP's potential.
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.
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.
Project / This project uses case studies to generate lessons learned and foster stronger Green Public Procurement policy in EU member states.
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 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.
