© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Leeds City Council’s Approach to Sustainable Procurement Tony Wiltshire Director Yorkshire and the Humber Centre of Excellence United Kingdom Seminar on Green Public Procurement Bucharest, October 2007

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Sustainable Procurement l What is sustainable procurement? l Why is it important to Leeds City Council?

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Benefits to sustainable procurement l Helps to meet sustainability targets l Helps organisations to comply with environmental law l Sustainable products can reduce costs l Helps to manage risks and reputation l Helps ensure security of supply l Contributes towards other organisational objectives

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Sustainable procurement

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Economic

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Environmental

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Social

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Internal drivers Targets set for sustainable procurement

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Procurement Strategy l Socially responsible procurement featured heavily in the strategy with goals relating to; Equality and diversity Regeneration Environmental management Fair trade Ethical procurement

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Nottingham Declaration Nottingham Declaration signed 5 June Leeds City Council has agreed to develop plans with partners and local communities to address the causes and impacts of climate change.

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU External drivers l The UK Government’s Sustainable Development Strategy ‘Securing the Future’ was published in 2005 and set the goal for the UK to be a leader in sustainable procurement across the EU by l The Sustainable Procurement Task Force was formed the same year to devise an Action Plan to realise this goal

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Sustainable Procurement Task Force Key Recommendations; l Lead by example l Set clear priorities l Raise the bar l Build capacity l Remove barriers l Capture opportunities

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Flexible Framework Foundation Level 1 Embed Level 2 Practice Level 3 Enhance Level 4 Lead Level 5 People Policy, strategy & communication Procurement process Engaging suppliers Measurements & results

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Achievements – Policy and context Specific posts on organisational structure to develop socially responsible procurement agenda Sustainable Procurement Working Group established Partnership arrangements set up with organisations to develop / progress this agenda Involvement in national / regional approaches ‘Passport to the Environment’ aimed at suppliers

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Achievements - Contracts Developed and rolling out SRP Toolkit council wide Including clauses in contracts to achieve added value (community benefits) Tender specifications include environmental, economic and social considerations Guidance documents for suppliers Annual open day for suppliers

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Achievements – Capacity building Held ‘Masterclass’ in Sustainable Procurement Recycling Action Yorkshire awareness sessions Developed a Green Buyers Guide Contract Information System for officers to source suppliers Quick Guide to Sustainable Procurement

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Key Issues for Leeds Build capacity and raise awareness Engage in dialogue with suppliers Need strong and visible commitment from leaders of council Integrate sustainability into all aspects of procurement process Develop practical tools to deliver economic, environmental and social benefits Identify key priority spend areas Showcase and recognise best practice

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Challenges for local councils l EU and UK legislation restrictions l Council budget holders consider short term view instead of longer term benefits l Perceived as conflicting with value for money and efficiency agenda

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU What you can do… l Research best practice l Work with suppliers l Develop relationships with organisations that have similar goals l Train officers to develop awareness l Build sustainable options into tender specifications and contracts l Baseline your performance so you know where you are starting from l Ask for help/advice when you need it

© OECD A joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU Questions?