Press release
Government approves Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
The Government has approved the Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan, Buying Greener: Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027, which will play a key role in driving the implementation of green and circular procurement practices across the public sector.
Green Public Procurement, or GPP, is widely recognised as a vital policy lever to achieving environmental objectives. Large purchasing power gives the public sector significant influence to stimulate the creation and provision of more resource-efficient, less polluting goods, services and works within the marketplace.
The public sector has a responsibility to promote green public procurement, to support Ireland’s environmental and wider sustainable development objectives. Citizens need to be sure that what is purchased on their behalf has minimal harmful effects on the environment and society. At the same time, these goods, services and works must represent both short-term and long-term value for money.
The Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan replaces the previous national Green Public Procurement policy 'Green Tenders', which was more than a decade old. During this period, green public procurement commitments have become embedded in key areas of Government policy including Ireland’s first Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy, the Climate Action Plan, and the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. The Programme for Government – ‘Our Shared Future’ – includes commitments relating to green public procurement.
The strategy has been prepared against the background of significant changes in climate, energy, sustainability, and procurement policies over the last number of years. The new Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan will significantly increase Green Public Procurement implementation across the public sector.
Commenting, Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment, Communications and the Circular Economy Ossian Smyth said:
"This Government is committed to making the Circular Economy a reality which means moving to a more sustainable model of production and consumption. Green Public Procurement will play a key role in helping Ireland become more resource efficient. It will ensure that public bodies play a critical part in supporting the delivery of important commitments on climate action and helping our transition to a circular economy."
Key areas of focus in the Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan include measures to progress Green Public Procurement implementation in the Public Sector; Green Public Procurement Monitoring and Reporting; Green Public Procurement Training and Awareness; and further development of national Green Public Procurement guidance and criteria. In addition, the strategy sets out how we will undertake market engagement, avail of research and innovation, and EU and international initiatives on Green Public Procurement. The strategy also has a key sectoral focus with related Green Public Procurement targets included.
The Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan is available to view on the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications website.
ENDS