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The benchmarking study of Action Sustainability confirms that strategic sustainable procurement is still an emerging trend globally, with major differences between organisations. More than 50% of assessed organisations score below 2.5 out of 5, and only 12.5% are at a mature level, i.e. over 3.5 out of 5. The level of maturity of an organisation is mainly driven by its level of commitment: locations, industries and sizes are not a determining success factor. (august 2019)

You can access the text of the Sustainable Procurement Manifesto 2016 - 2020 here. The Manifesto was first signed in December 2016, and many other parties have signed up since. (december 2016)

Building circularity into our economies through sustainable procurement aims to introduce the role that sustainable procurement can play to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and the shift towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production, based on the work conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme in this field and on experience documented by partners and governments. (october 2018)

This action plan is about Responsible and Sustainable Procurement (RSP). Responsible and sustainable procurement means that when procuring products, services and works, the effects on people, planet (environment) and profit/prosperity are considered. Within these three elements we look at specific themes such as circular procurement, biobased procurement, the international social conditions and public procurement of innovation. (september 2015)

The research ‘Reducing Deforestation in Agricultural Commodity Supply Chains Using Public Procurement Policy’ deals with the role of certification of sustainable agriculture products in procurement. (September 2015)

SPP may be customised, but there are still some common points for consideration. The "Check-list for sustainable public procurement" outlines common points to consider. It will guide you step by step through the most important points for consideration and provide tips on how to involve internal clients. 

This site provides comprehensive information on sustainable public procurement (SPP), also called responsible and sustainable procurement (RSP). The information has been prepared specifically for public purchasers. It is a translation of our Dutch website. Sustainable public procurement means focussing on the environmental and social impact of procurement as well as the price of the products, services or works in question. In addition to practical information, this site provides details of the latest developments in the field of SPP. Would you prefer to go straight to the relevant product information? If so, take a look at product groups.

UNEP has released a 10YFP on SPP report entitled "Measuring and Communicating the Benefits of Sustainable Public Procurement". The report seeks to provide governmental organisations engaged in SPP with a step-by-step guide to planning, measuring and communicating on the benefits they are creating through the implementation of their sustainable procurement programmes and activities. (January 2016)

This technical report examines the nexus between product-service systems and sustainable public procurement, drawing together international experience. The aim of this report is, in particular, to demonstrate how product-service systems can be used by governments in the context of sustainable public procurement (SPP) policies and initiatives, thus contributing to a more resource-efficient, lowcarbon and inclusive green economy. (May 2015)

Report

As a procurer, you are responsible for the implementation of your organisation's policies in the field of sustainable public procurement (SPP). It is therefore important that you are fully aware of the themes your organisation wishes to emphasise and their chosen level of aspiration.