The advantages of green procurement

We are used to the usual lip service in favour of the environment. Nevertheless, we seldom get to see tangible examples of what one can do to ensure a better environment.

I came across a very interesting document among the deluge of papers I get from the European Commission on a daily basis. I think it is a very positive contribution to developing a more environment-friendly culture and I would like to share it with you.

The document, which is actually a handbook, deals with a proposal for the implementation of "green" public procurement in the European Union (Commission Staff Working Document SEC 2004-1050).

The document speaks directly to public authorities and provides several case studies and examples of how European cities and towns can implement environment-friendly procurement practices.

The areas touched upon by the document are numerous and vary from the purchase of energy efficient computers to recycling of paper; from organic food in canteens to environment-friendly air-conditioning systems.

The handbook addresses the importance of implementing green procurement in the public sector. In Europe, public authorities are major consumers, spending the equivalent of 16 per cent of the EU's gross domestic product - more or less half Germany's GDP.

The Commission document provides a thorough analysis of each step in environment-friendly procurement. It provides suggestions and examples of how to address the purchase of green products. The document also goes into the necessary specifics of contract clauses including pro-environment contract performance clauses.

Green procurement does not seek to provide specific restrictions for member states. Rather, it strives to help educate and work with practices and resources already in place. Paying close attention to what the financial burden of procurement may be, the handbook defines the green procurement strategy in general as adopting an environmental-friendly approach to resource management for the public sector. It does not have to entail further expenditure.

It can be as simple as re-using office equipment. It can also relate to other simple things, such as the delivery of products. For example, a public authority might require that goods are delivered to it outside peak hour traffic times in order to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

In other words, the handbook and indeed the concept of green procurement deals more with how to buy something rather than what to buy.

The document includes a number of success stories in this area. I read that Gothenburg and London have policies that demand the public sector to choose products that are biologically degradable or that can be re-used. Another example is that of public institution canteens in Ferrara, Italy, where half the food offered is organic.

What should one say then about Sheffield Hallam University that since 2002 has decided to cover five per cent of its electricity demand from alternative sources? This resulted in the lowering of carbon emissions by the university by 1.5 per cent to two per cent annually.

Malta and Gozo have the potential to lead the way in this area. The only big problem is that environment does not really seem to be on top of the agenda.

Isn't it?

Mr Muscat is a Labour member of the European Parliament.

www.josephmuscat.com