08 Jun 2022
Advancing Green Public Procurement in Kosovo
As part of Kosovo Sustainable Development Week (KSDW), Kosovo CSR Network organized a roundtable on “Green Public Procurement,” bringing together representatives from the Regulatory Commission for Public Procurement, GIZ, the private sector, and civil society.
Through the project "Promoting Sustainability through Circular Economy and Corporate Social Responsibility," funded by the EU and the German Government via GIZ Kosovo, the Network initiated a discussion on the importance of integrating green standards into public procurement processes, in line with best sustainable development practices and the Green Agenda.
Currently, around 10% of Kosovo’s GDP circulates through procurement procedures, compared to 14% in the EU and 8% in the region. Current tendering practices tend to favor the lowest price, which does not necessarily ensure long-term sustainability. Panelists emphasized the need for public authorities to procure goods, services, and works with reduced environmental impact across their life cycle.
The Public Procurement Law is currently under amendment, and panelists agreed that incorporating green standards into procurement procedures is essential for sustainable and effective management of public funds. Establishing a concise legal framework in line with internationally recognized standards would be a significant step forward. Beyond green standards, innovation and digitalization are expected to play a key role in the new legislative process.
While changes to the legal framework are critical, panelists highlighted the need to draft administrative guidelines and implement capacity-building measures that would increase awareness and understanding among contracting authorities regarding the implementation of green public procurement.
Civil society and business representatives stressed the importance of selecting contractors through a fair, merit-based procedure, giving special attention to competitors who comply with ISO 14000 environmental standards. The private sector has long faced market demands for green and sustainable products and services, and some companies have already begun adapting their business models to become more environmentally and socially responsible. Integrating green standards in public procurement would further incentivize the private sector to adopt circular business models.
Panelists discussed not only the economic dimension but also the social and environmental aspects of procurement procedures. Examples included the reuse of construction waste in infrastructure projects, procurement of recycled paper, and providing eco-packaged food in public schools, illustrating the relevance of green procurement standards.
In conclusion, while legislative amendments are welcome, capacity development for contracting authorities and collaboration among public authorities, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders are essential to ensure the implementation of sustainable and green public procurement practices that consider economic, social, and environmental aspects.
Through the project "Promoting Sustainability through Circular Economy and Corporate Social Responsibility," funded by the EU and the German Government via GIZ Kosovo, the Network initiated a discussion on the importance of integrating green standards into public procurement processes, in line with best sustainable development practices and the Green Agenda.
Currently, around 10% of Kosovo’s GDP circulates through procurement procedures, compared to 14% in the EU and 8% in the region. Current tendering practices tend to favor the lowest price, which does not necessarily ensure long-term sustainability. Panelists emphasized the need for public authorities to procure goods, services, and works with reduced environmental impact across their life cycle.
The Public Procurement Law is currently under amendment, and panelists agreed that incorporating green standards into procurement procedures is essential for sustainable and effective management of public funds. Establishing a concise legal framework in line with internationally recognized standards would be a significant step forward. Beyond green standards, innovation and digitalization are expected to play a key role in the new legislative process.
While changes to the legal framework are critical, panelists highlighted the need to draft administrative guidelines and implement capacity-building measures that would increase awareness and understanding among contracting authorities regarding the implementation of green public procurement.
Civil society and business representatives stressed the importance of selecting contractors through a fair, merit-based procedure, giving special attention to competitors who comply with ISO 14000 environmental standards. The private sector has long faced market demands for green and sustainable products and services, and some companies have already begun adapting their business models to become more environmentally and socially responsible. Integrating green standards in public procurement would further incentivize the private sector to adopt circular business models.
Panelists discussed not only the economic dimension but also the social and environmental aspects of procurement procedures. Examples included the reuse of construction waste in infrastructure projects, procurement of recycled paper, and providing eco-packaged food in public schools, illustrating the relevance of green procurement standards.
In conclusion, while legislative amendments are welcome, capacity development for contracting authorities and collaboration among public authorities, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders are essential to ensure the implementation of sustainable and green public procurement practices that consider economic, social, and environmental aspects.