Why Link Green Procurement with Environmental Management Systems?
In most public authorities in Europe procurement is a relatively decentralised process involving many individuals in different departments. Even where central purchasing units exist, some procurement responsibilities will still rest with staff in other units. In such situations ensuring the implementation of effective communications between and within departments, clear priorities are needed. In an increasing number of authorities environmental management systems are being put in place to provide a useful framework for co-ordinating environmental improvements. As public procurement is an activity with substantial consequences in terms of environmental impact, it clearly makes sense to promote the integration of green procurement actions into such management systems. The LEAP project has developed a set of tools and guidance to facilitate the integration of green procurement principles into environemntal management sysytems.
