Making GPP mandatory - Prerequisites and success factors for mandatory public procurement of green products
Making GPP mandatory is one of the most effective ways to increase its uptake. Mandatory sustainable procurement rules are reported as one of the strongest drivers of GPP implementation (along with policy commitments and the availability of criteria and specifications). Likewise, the lack of mandatory sustainable procurement rules and legislation are also reported as one of the biggest barriers to GPP implementation, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America (UNEP 2022).
For this reason, the procurement framework in many countries is now shifting towards more mandatory approaches for GPP i.e. legal requirements that limit the ability of a contracting authority to freely choose what to purchase (Janssen 2023). For instance, among surveyed Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, 41% have implemented mandatory requirements for GPP, including countries in Europe, Australasia, North and South America, and Asia (OECD 2023). The European Union (EU) is also increasingly requiring mandatory green purchasing across all EU Member States, such as requiring the purchase of energy efficient products as well as sectoral regulations targeting vehicles, batteries and the construction sector.
Using international practices as a guide, the pre-study sets out a framework for considering the different approaches possible for making GPP mandatory. The comparative advantages and disadvantages of different approaches will be considered, and international case studies demonstrating how such approaches have been implemented in other countries will be presented. The report will end with a set of practical recommendations for policy makers and government agencies on the implementation of mandatory GPP
For this reason, the procurement framework in many countries is now shifting towards more mandatory approaches for GPP i.e. legal requirements that limit the ability of a contracting authority to freely choose what to purchase (Janssen 2023). For instance, among surveyed Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, 41% have implemented mandatory requirements for GPP, including countries in Europe, Australasia, North and South America, and Asia (OECD 2023). The European Union (EU) is also increasingly requiring mandatory green purchasing across all EU Member States, such as requiring the purchase of energy efficient products as well as sectoral regulations targeting vehicles, batteries and the construction sector.
Using international practices as a guide, the pre-study sets out a framework for considering the different approaches possible for making GPP mandatory. The comparative advantages and disadvantages of different approaches will be considered, and international case studies demonstrating how such approaches have been implemented in other countries will be presented. The report will end with a set of practical recommendations for policy makers and government agencies on the implementation of mandatory GPP
Green Public Procurement (GPP) has long been recognised as a potential tool for reducing the environmental impact of government purchasing, while supporting wider economic transition to more sustainable modes of production and consumption. However, despite its promises, the voluntary uptake of GPP has been slow.
Making GPP mandatory is one of the most effective ways to increase its uptake. Mandatory sustainable procurement rules are reported as one of the strongest drivers of GPP implementation (along with policy commitments and the availability of criteria and specifications). Likewise, the lack of mandatory sustainable procurement rules and legislation are also reported as one of the biggest barriers to GPP implementation in many countries.
Sustainable Development Goal 12
Actors involved:
Lead
Value Chain Stage(s):
Finance / Investment
Policy / Regulation
