1. Be aware of mandatory frameworks and organisational objectives
Government procurement has two dimensions which are directly relevant to SPP. Firstly, procurement is a tool for making your own organisation and business operations more sustainable. Your organisation may have endorsed the aspiration of 100% sustainable procurement. Alternatively, it may have highlighted certain aspects of its sustainability, organisational or operational policies, such as striving to achieve a climate-neutral operation or encouraging fair trade. Secondly, procurement provides opportunities to contribute to your organisation's wider policy objectives. As a procurer, you should find out how you can contribute. Then will you be able to advise your internal client effectively.
In addition to organisational objectives, procurers are bound by mandatory frameworks. Firstly, SPP involves conditions of transparency, objectivity, proportionality and non-discrimination. In addition, all government bodies have agreed to adopt the minimum requirements set out in the environmental criteria documents as a lower limit.
In the case of government purchasers:
- The requirements set out in the environmental criteria documents are always included as a minimum lower limit for the environmental aspects.
Further details: Environmental criteria - Social return is included in all works and services in excess of 250,000 euros and with a minimum term of six months.
- Social criteria relating to the global supply chain are included in any contracts that exceed the applicable European public procurement threshold for supplies, services and works. Additional social criteria are included for textiles (work clothing), flowers, coffee, tea and cocoa.
Further details: Guide: Social conditions