EPA Highlights Significant Increase In Government Green Procurement, But ICT Sector Lags Behind.
- Of €1.24 billion spend by government departments on contracts in 2023, 82 per cent included green criteria, up from 34 per cent in 2022. There are, however, inconsistencies across sectors.
- ICT Products & Services contracts included green criteria in only 29 per cent of cases, indicating the need for wider adoption.
- In contrast, all reported procurement of Food & Catering Services and Heating Equipment, included green criteria, with a total value of €583,447.
- Eight government departments lacked a formal system for tracking Green Public Procurement (GPP) implementation.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its fourth report on Green Public Procurement (GPP) adoption by government departments. GPP allows public authorities to source goods, services or works that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle while also achieving value for money.
A total spend of €1.24 billion across 18 government departments was reported. Of this, 82 per cent of contracts, valued at €1.02 billion, included green criteria (compared to 34 per cent in 2022).
GPP implementation varied widely across government departments, with the number of contracts incorporating GPP ranging from zero to 100%. There was an inconsistency in application of green criteria across product & services sectors, with high adoption reported for Food & Catering Services and Heating Equipment (100%), but low adoption in contracts for ICT Products & Services (29%).
Launching the report Ms Laura Burke, Director General, said: “This report shows a welcome increase in the use of green public procurement by central government. Full adoption across all government departments is a powerful lever to achieve better economic and environmental value as well as showing leadership in a transition to a greener, more circular economy. The EPA has developed practical guidance to support Government Departments and other public bodies to accelerate green purchasing.”
Tracking of GPP remains an issue to be addressed with eight of the 18 Government Departments lacking a formal system for tracking GPP implementation.
Mr David Flynn, Director, EPA Office of Environmental Sustainability added: “Government, local authorities and other public sector organisations collectively procure over €18 billion worth of goods, services and works. Whilst it is important that GPP is used by government departments, a broader adoption across the entire public sector will ensure that public funds are used effectively and responsibly while reducing the environmental impact of our public services.”
The report ‘Green Public Procurement: Monitoring and Reporting by Government Departments, 2023 Reference Year’ is now available on the EPA website HERE.
Leave a Reply