Buy-in for greener buying

In March, the government decided to set a benchmark for environmentally-friendly procurement by issuing its UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan. Currently, the guidance is aimed at government departments, but a set of measures aimed at changing public behaviour on climate change will be unveiled later this spring.

The Sustainable Procurement Task Force challenges the government to use its immense buying power to transform government procurement. The goal is to make the UK an EU leader in sustainable procurement by 2009 and to produce a low carbon-emitting, more resource-efficient public sector.The plan details eight areas of change and reporting needed to achieve this goal:Comprehensive spending review
• A set of public service agreements will incorporate sustainable development.Priorities and future plans
• A sustainable policy framework to be issued to government departments, with departments to comply towards their sustainable operation targets as well as setting out to develop their framework throughout 2007.Strengthening leadership
• Delivery will be overseen by the Ministerial Committee on Energy and Environment.
• The head of the civil service will oversee the plans and report progress in 2008.
• Permanent secretaries will be accountable for their department’s progress, as well as ensuring that from 2007/08 their departments have performance objectives and drive towards implementation of the plan.
• The head of Government Procurement Services (GPS) and the chief executive of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) are accountable for the procurement practices and will be part of normal procurement policy from 2007/08.Budgeting and accounting practice
• To improve departmental practice through better compliance with current government policy on value for money; for example, committing departments to review their budgeting arrangements to ensure that there are no problems in choosing sustainable solutions.

Building capacity
• Improving public servants’ sustainable development skills.
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to provide support through workshops seeking help on flexible framework.
• OGC will audit standards set through procurement capability reviews of departments.
• Consultation with Defra on a centre for sustainability procurement, providing support, guidance and advice.

Raising standards
• From 1 April 2015 only sustainable timber can be used.
• Departments will be asked to choose PCs and office equipment that consume less energy.

Market engagement and capturing innovation
• The Department of Trade and Industry will look at ways that the government can deliver better value for money through procurement. For example, the DTI and Cabinet Office to provide support to SMEs and third sector organisations that supply to the public sector; and Defra to work with suppliers to develop voluntary commitments in achieving low carbon emissions in its supply chain.

Scrutiny and reporting
The Sustainable Development Commission to have a ‘watchdog’ role and will report on progress. The SDC is to compile a review of the plan and progress by 2008.
The overall objectives of the procurement plan are:
• By 2020, the government to reduce emissions by 180,000 tonnes of C02 a year.
• By 2012 achieve a carbon neutral office by offsetting around 550,000 tonnes of C02 per annum.
• By 2020, government to improve energy efficiency by approximately 100kWh per square metre.
• By 2020, government to reduce its total waste, and recycle around 65,000 tonnes.
• By 2020, government to reduce water consumption by around 65,000 cubic metres.