New report: Exploration of potential mandatory GPP Criteria for ICT Products in EU legislation
As part of the Circular and Fair ICT (CFIT) Pact, a focused study was commissioned to explore the potential introduction of mandatory Green Public Procurement (GPP) criteria for ICT products within EU legislation. The study specifically focuses on product categories such as workplace equipment, data centers, and storage, which currently fall under the CFIT scope.
The aim of the study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development process for these mandatory GPP criteria, their possible effects on contracting organizations and the market, and their alignment with the four main impact categories defined in the CFIT Framework: circularity and critical raw materials, due diligence and transparency, energy and climate, and chemicals.
In addition, the report examines opportunities for consultation with CFIT participants, the potential ambition level of the GPP criteria, the development process, and the expected timeline for implementation. It also discusses how these mandatory criteria will interact with existing voluntary procurement criteria.
The study pays particular attention to three key EU policy developments: the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), the new Batteries Regulation, and the Ecodesign Regulation. These initiatives raise important questions regarding the pace and ambition with which mandatory GPP criteria could be integrated into EU legislation.
The research was carried out by Viegand Maagøe, an international consultancy with expertise in sustainability, based in both Brussels and Denmark. The study was led by Felice Alfiere, who previously worked at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. The resulting report is a comprehensive and thoroughly researched document that offers a range of valuable insights. It explores the potential introduction of mandatory Green Public Procurement (GPP) criteria for ICT products, providing stakeholders with essential guidance on how to engage with and adapt to these evolving requirements. In doing so, the report contributes to the ongoing development of a more sustainable, circular, and equitable ICT sector, helping shape future policies and practices within the industry.