The European Commission's Buying Green Handbook has been translated into 23 European languages. The document provides practical guidance on the implementation of Green Public Procurement (GPP), outlining how contracting bodies can use the 2014 Procurement Directives to drive more environmentally friendly purchasing.

Currently in its third edition, the handbook looks at how environmental considerations can be included at each stage of the procurement process, providing practical examples drawn from public procurers across the EU. These case studies explore legislative and administrative challenges and detail the concrete savings achieved by the move to GPP.

Specific sectors looked at include buildings, food and catering services, road transport vehicles and energy-using products. The handbook has been compiled under contract between the European Commission and ICLEI "“ Local Governments for Sustainability, supported by Public Procurement Analysis.

To download the handbook in one of 23 languages, click here.Image copyright: Image (Pixabay) more   30 August 2016 GreenS survey finds gap between GPP policy and actionA GreenS project survey on institutional requirements to successfully carry out green public procurement (GPP) has uncovered a number of good and bad practices in the application of GPP in Europe. According to the survey, a gap exists between GPP policies and the actions performed at national level by procurement officials, with many unaware of the full extent of national requirements.

The survey also found that support activities are not properly utilised by public procurers, with most relying on national websites for GPP information. More positively, it was found that many EU countries have adopted a national action plan, reached political agreement on GPP implementation, and assigned responsibilities for GPP at the national level. These countries also provide procurers with clear guidance and tools for GPP, as well as legal support.

A full outline of the survey's findings is included in the GreenS newsletter. The EU-funded GreenS project aims to focus the attention of public authorities in Europe on the benefits of Green Public Procurement and life-cycle costing as a means to reach policy objectives.

To view the GreenS newsletter, click here.Image copyright: Image (Dreamstime) by "Nyul" more

» Publication Date: 01/09/2016

» Source: Iclei Europe

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