The inclusion of strategic, green and social policy considerations in procurement processes is a key feature of the Programme for Government.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, developed Circular 20/2019: Promoting the use of Environmental and Social Considerations in Public Procurement.
The Circular highlights the potential for Departments to deliver wider social and environmental aims through public procurement. The circular provides a clear signal of the direction of travel towards greener public procurement.
The Circular requires Departments to incorporate relevant green procurement measures into their planning and reporting cycles, with reporting arrangements due to commence this year. The Annual Report template will be made available in 2020, by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Further actions taken by the Office of Government Procurement in this area include; the publication of an Information Note on Incorporating Social Considerations into Public Procurement in December 2018, the establishment of a cross-departmental Social Considerations Advisory Group to advance work in this area, and the inclusion of green elements in a number of OGP framework agreements.
While it is for each Department’s policy unit to develop clear, verifiable and measurable criteria to advance green and social objectives, the OGP will facilitate the inclusion of these in the development of its frameworks and through its guidance materials.
Minister of State Smyth and I have met with the Chief Procurement Officer, and, along with my colleagues in Government, will be considering how best to implement commitments in the Programme for Government.
Among the measures taken by the OGP to integrate environmental sustainability are;
Electricity
The Government target is for the use of 33% renewable energy. The OGP have exceeded this target and currently source up to 45% green electricity for its clients.
Managed Print Services (MPS)
Clients with MPS have less devices, print double sided by default and generally have reduced print outputs. Environmental benefits include; reduced energy and paper usage, lower maintenance and fewer deliveries of consumables.
Fleet
Whole life costings are taken into account, including factors such as; emissions, mileage, and service costs. Price analysis is based on the best overall whole life cost.
OGP is currently in the market for battery electric vans and, later this month, goes to market for battery electric cars.
ICT
Competitions conducted under OGP frameworks can use a weighting range of between 5% and 20%, for factors such as; energy effectiveness, recycling, Energy Star ratings, cooling requirements, WEEE scheme and rated power usage.
