Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today, and it is essential that governments and public organizations take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability. In Ireland, the government has committed to implementing green public procurement (GPP) in all tenders using public funds by 2023. This means that public organizations must take into account the environmental impact of their procurement decisions and select goods, works, and services that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle.

To ensure compliance with GPP requirements, public organizations must establish a clear GPP policy that sets objectives and criteria for green procurement. However, determining the specific criteria to consider in procurement decisions can be challenging. This is where the Green Public Procurement (GPP) Criteria Search tool comes in.

The GPP Criteria Search tool is a new search tool that allows users to rapidly find, select, and download GPP criteria relevant to a specific procurement project. It is part of the Green Tenders Action Plan on Public Procurement, which was introduced in Ireland to support public authorities in successfully planning and implementing GPP by highlighting existing best practices and outlining further actions to boost green public procurement.

Dr. Olga Grant, the lead on the GPP Criteria Search tool, emphasizes the importance of the tool in greening procurement practices. By providing access to relevant GPP criteria, it makes it easier for organizations to evaluate the environmental impact of products and services over their entire life cycle, from production to disposal.

Dr Olga Grant
Policy Unit,
Office of Government Procurement (OGP)

In addition to the GPP Criteria Search tool, public organizations must also stay up to date with the Climate Action Plan 2023. The Plan is the second annual update to Ireland’s Climate Action plan, and it provides information that is relevant to all sectors. The Annex of Actions will be linked to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications website and outlines the detailed steps Ireland is taking to respond to the climate crisis.

The Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out how Ireland is putting climate solutions at the center of our social and economic development. The Plan recognizes that every sector, every community, and every person has a role to play in realizing the opportunities that a clean, sustainable environment, economy, and society will offer. The Plan also acknowledges the challenges involved in changing systems, practices, and behaviors across all of the key economic sectors.

By following the six steps outlined in the article, public organizations can ensure that their procurement practices are environmentally friendly and sustainable. Furthermore, by staying up to date with the Climate Action Plan 2023, public organizations can continue to drive climate action across all sectors and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Irelands's Climate Action Plan 2023