Contributing to climate goals while saving costs. This is what the Dutch government aims to achieve with its own policy for Socially Responsible Procurement and Purchasing (SRPP Socially Responsible Procurement and Purchasing (Socially Responsible Procurement and Purchasing)). In 2021 and 2022, this policy led to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. The government also used fewer raw materials and water. According to the RIVM, this is still not enough to achieve the (climate) goals set by MVOI. To achieve this, it is necessary to procure less polluting products and focus more on measures that extend the lifespan of products.
Every year, the Dutch government procures goods and services worth 85 billion euros. This includes procurement of energy, catering services, or renovation of office buildings. In these procurements, the government aims to minimize the impact on the climate and the environment. Since 2015, the RIVM has been investigating the effects of SRPP Socially Responsible Procurement and Purchasing (Socially Responsible Procurement and Purchasing). Goals have been set for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Contracts are typically valid for more than a year. Therefore, 2022 is the most recent year that could be investigated.
SRPP Can Have Much Greater Impact
In 2021 and 2022, MVOI led to less greenhouse gas emissions and less consumption of raw materials and water. However, the upward trend observed between 2015 and 2020 is flattening. At the same time, some buyers demonstrate that it is possible to achieve the goals while spending less money.
MVOI is still suitable for stimulating sustainable procurement. However, many opportunities remain untapped. The RIVM expects that MVOI can have the most impact in areas such as automation, energy, civil engineering, office buildings, office facilities, and transportation.
Good Examples
Through the procurement of green electricity, emissions in 2021 and 2022 were 127 grams CO2 carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide)-equivalent per kilowatt-hour of electricity. This is much lower than the market standard of 372 grams per kilowatt-hour. However, this emission is still too high to meet the target of 65 grams by 2030.
Other good examples include the reuse of construction materials during renovations and savings on gas through better insulation.
In total, the emissions from the government due to MVOI in 2021 and 2022 were estimated to be at least 900 million kilograms of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases lower than if procurement had occurred without MVOI.
Effect Always Related to Other Developments
The savings achieved by the government in 2021 and 2022 were not solely due to MVOI. Other factors, such as the war in Ukraine and gas procurement, played a significant role during this period.
Figure 1: Carbon intensity in grams of CO2-equivalent per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated.
