Green Public Procurement (GPP) is the practice of incorporating environmental considerations into public purchasing. This means contracting authorities deliberately prefer products, services, or works that have lower environmental impact over their life cycle, compared to alternatives with similar primary functions. Examples of GPP include requiring energy-efficient appliances, specifying recycled materials, or prioritizing low-emission transport options in tenders.
In the EU, GPP is a voluntary but strongly encouraged instrument for achieving sustainability goals. It encourages contracting authorities to go beyond cost alone when evaluating offers. Voluntary GPP criteria—drawn from scientific evidence and ecolabel standards—are maintained and regularly updated by the European Commission to support buyers in setting clear and verifiable green requirements. Although not mandatory, GPP plays a vital role in aligning public procurement with the EU’s environmental and circular economy priorities.
In practice, implementing GPP enables public authorities to lead by example, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and drive green innovation in supply markets. It also generates long-term savings by focusing on total life‑cycle costs—such as lower energy or water usage. GPP use helps elevate demand for eco-friendly products and stimulates sustainable industrial development while promoting transparency and accountability in procurement.
