ECO-LABELLING IN SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

Public procurement, representing on average 13% to 20% of GDP, can make a critical contribution to the resolution of the current climate, nature, and pollution planetary crises. By favouring the purchase of greener products – circular, low carbon, etc. – public authorities can significantly reduce their environmental footprints. The governments are seen as the largest consumers in a given economy and uniquely positioned to incorporate sustainability criteria into purchasing decisions at a scale that can be transformative.

Today the overall procurement activities in six industries (defence and security, transport, waste management services, construction, industrial products, and utilities) are responsible for 15% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which necessitates urgent actions for addressing. This is, inter alia, addressed through the introduction of appropriate eco-labelling framework. Eco-labelling seeks to inform and provide market incentives, so that consumers can distinguish those products that meet certain sustainability requirements. By doing that, it effectively identifies and establishes markets for green and efficient products.

UNEP has been at the forefront of SPP since 2005 and is recognized as an expert organization in this field by suggesting the tools and methodology, acknowledging the importance of environmental considerations in economic transformation in line with the SDG 2030 Agenda, and Goal 12 specifically. UNEP is also the custodian of the SDG 12.7 target which promotes "public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities”.

The round table and training workshop are organized by the UNEP in close cooperation with the Ministries of Finance, Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of the Kazakhstani Association of Regional Environmental Initiatives “ECOJER”.

The activities correspond to 10YFP’s Global Strategy on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) implemented under the UNEP flagship initiatives of the One Planet Network and Global opportunities for Sustainable Development Goals (GO4SDGs).