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December 18, 2023
On December 13, the pilot testing of measurement methodology for Green Purchasing Networks was launched at the 2023 Annual Meeting to verify the applicability and feasibility when measuring the implementation level by using the GPN measurement methodology, which is milestone for the IGPN initiative of Green Purchasing Network measurement methodology development.
The IGPN initiative of Green Purchasing Network (GPN) measurement methodology development was launched at IGPN 2023 Knowledge Sharing webinar, intends to formulate a kind of measurement methodology by summarize the GPN model, and fulfill the IGPN mission implementation by promoting GPN practice through this measurable, reportable, and replicated methodology. This initiative is initially funded and implemented by China Environmental United Certification Center (CEC)-IGPN Secretariat. The duration of this initiative is 2 years from 2023 to 2024.
So far, after 3 batches comments collection, the has been formulated by the Secretariat, together with the suggestions and comments provided by IGPN members including GPN Japan, GPN Malysia (GPN BERHAD), GPN Thailand (Thailand Environment Institute), GPN Singapore (Singapore Environment Council), GPN China (China Environmental United Certification Center), Green Council and experts from the United States EPA.
The pilot testing scope will be:
-Any interest participant organization which belongs to the concept of Green Purchasing Network
-Green Purchasing Network members of the International Green Purchasing Network.
The Pilot testing timeline:
-From December 13, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
Want to learn more or interest on the pilot on GPN Measurement Methodology?
Please contact the IGPN Secretariat via igpn.secretariat@igpn.org for the <Measurement methodology for Green Purchasing Networks (Version 3.0)> and <GPN Measurement Methodology Pilot Testing Questionnaire> on the pilot testing.
International Green Purchasing Network (IGPN)
IGPN promotes green purchasing around the globe by coordinating those who take the initiative in implementing green purchasing towards sustainable consumption and production. IGPN was launched in 2005 with its mission: promote globally the development of environmentally friendly products and services and green purchasing activities; share information and know-how on green purchasing and environmentally friendly products and services internationally; harmonize the efforts of green purchasing and the development of environmentally friendly products and services from a global viewpoint. IGPN works with its members, Green Purchasing Networks from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, China etc., and regions such as China Hong Kong SAR and Chinese Taipei, partners with the Global Lead City Network led by ICLEI on sustainable procurement and the Green Ecolabelling Network, collaborates with the UNEP One Planet Network Sustainable Public Procurement Programme support the implementation of SDG12.
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December 14, 2023
Registration for the 2024 Procura+ Conference is now open. Secure your place by filling in this form!
The Conference, taking place on 13 & 14 March in Lisbon (Portugal), is a great opportunity for cities and public authorities to gain a better understanding of how public procurement can be used to implement step changes that can make a big impact. The conference will be opened with keynote speeches by Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon and Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, Mayor of Malmö, Vice-President ICLEI, Chair of the Procura+ Network. They will highlight the key role of procurement in addressing the major environmental, social and economic challenges faced by cities today.
“I am proud and honored to welcome all participants of the PROCURA + Conference in Lisbon. Our city is one of the most dynamic and innovative capitals of Europe, and offers a unique environment for discussing, experimenting, and reinventing our approach to sustainability and procurement practices. I am sure Lisbon will provide inspiration and the right conditions for a successful event", says Mayor Moedas.
With the opening, organisers ICLEI Europe and the City of Lisbon aim to set the stage for a conference that will emphasise how public procurement can contribute to the transformation of our societies in light of the major challenges of today, as well as to broader policy objectives, such as the just transition, the circular economy, and the transformation of our energy systems.
During the two days, participants will also gain a better understanding of how training and upskilling can contribute to the further implementation of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP), and how public buyers can learn from their mistakes. Furthermore, on both days there will be market lounges showcasing breakthrough approaches and case studies on how step changes for big impact have been made with strategies, policies and, most importantly, implementing procurement on the ground.
Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden, First Vice President and Chair of the Procura+ Network is expecting two inspiring days, noting that “The Procura+ Network and Conferences have been at the forefront of advancing the sustainable, circular and innovation procurement agenda for over 25 years. The 11th Procura+ conference will showcase how cities and public authorities are making step changes in procurement to achieve a transformation to a sustainable, circular and resilient society. I look forward to seeing all participants, contributors and visionaries in Lisbon".
Of course the conference will also offer plenty of opportunities to learn from each other. Networking is highly encouraged during the Agora sessions, the site visits, and the Procura+ Awards ceremony with official dinner in the evening of 13 March.
More information about the programme, registration and overarching aim of the event can be found on the Conference website.
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December 4, 2023
November 17, 2023 - On the sidelines of the Global Conference of the One Planet Network's Consumer Information Programme, held in Bogotá from November 14-15, representatives of the Environmental Alliance of America convened to advance the establishment of a legal and institutional framework for a common and reliable environmental labeling platform.
The aim is to overcome challenges such as lack of access to reliable information, low levels of interregional trade in sustainable products, and tackling the proliferation of self-declared labels without credible validation.
"It has never been more urgent to connect with consumers through reliable information," emphasized Juan Bello, Regional Director and Representative of the UNEP Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Our collective action against the triple planetary crisis - climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution - also hinges significantly on shifting consumer behaviors.”
Echoing these challenges, the XXIII Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of the Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, held in October of this year, endorsed the efforts of the Environmental Alliance of America through Decision 2. Luis Rodríguez from the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica and President of the Alliance emphasized, "The Alliance is uniquely positioned to offer a common and reliable environmental labeling platform. It will provide clear and truthful information to producers and consumers, based on internationally recognized management and certification systems."
Highlighting a practical application, Carolina Rivera Garzón from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia, pointed out the importance of integrating the regional eco-label in Sustainable Public Procurement. “Accounting for 20 to 40% of GDP in public spending, these procurements can drive sustainable practices at all levels of government and industry. Moreover, this regional approach to ecolabelling has the potential to significantly influence citizens, thereby boosting the supply and demand for sustainable products.”
Jorge Laguna, Head of the One Planet Network, UNEP, praised the eco-label as a strategic move towards circular economy practices. "It empowers consumers to make informed and responsible choices, paving the way for a sustainably prosperous future in the region," he concluded.
Learn more at UNEP One Planet Network news center.
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