Use of the EU Ecolabel in procurement
In public procurement, environmental aspects can be taken into account in addition to the functional characteristics of products and services. In this way, public authorities help to reduce environmental impacts, support the market penetration of environmentally friendly products and fulfil their role as role models. Cost savings can be achieved if not only the purchase price but also life-cycle costs are included in the evaluation of tenders.
Environmental labels significantly facilitate the consideration of environmental aspects in tender procedures. When defining technical specifications, award criteria and conditions for the performance of contracts, contracting authorities may refer to specific environmental labels such as the EU Ecolabel. These labels may also be required or used as proof. Equivalent environmental labels must be accepted. Only in certain cases is the contracting authority required to accept other suitable evidence as proof (Section 34 VgV / Section 24 UVgO).
In addition to referencing the EU Ecolabel, it is also possible to include specific criteria of the European Ecolabel as requirements in tender documents. Compliance with these criteria can then be demonstrated either by the EU Ecolabel itself or by other forms of evidence (for example, test reports). This approach is particularly suitable if the number of products awarded with the EU Ecolabel is low at the time the tender is issued.
Comprehensive guidance on the implementation of environmentally friendly procurement is provided by the tendering recommendations of the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt). Relevant guidelines and further publications can be found on the German Environment Agency’s thematic portal on sustainable procurement.
For an overview of all products and services for which the EU Ecolabel has been awarded by the German competent body (RAL gGmbH) and for which the EU Ecolabel logo may be used, please refer to the overview.
Further information on how the EU Ecolabel simplifies sustainable procurement can be found here.