Green public procurement policy at Gdańsk University of Technology | Gdańsk University of Technology

In the era of global environmental challenges such as climate change, air, water and soil pollution, as well as the depletion of natural resources, Gdańsk University of Technology undertakes actions aimed at minimizing its negative impact on the environment. One of the key areas through which we can realistically influence environmental improvement is public procurement. This process, encompassing planning, supplier selection, and contract implementation, constitutes an important element of our operations with the potential to introduce changes towards more sustainable development. Conscious, responsible, and purposeful purchasing can significantly support environmental protection by contributing to resource savings, reducing emissions of harmful substances, limiting waste, and promoting sustainable practices among our business partners.

In the context of public procurement, this means introducing purchasing practices that promote sustainable development, efficient use of resources, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Definition of Green Public Procurement

Green public procurement is a process in which public institutions take environmental criteria into account in technical specifications, selection and evaluation criteria for bids, and in contract performance conditions.

In the case of Gdańsk University of Technology, the procurement process is based in particular on the Public Procurement Law, which enables the inclusion of environmental aspects in procurement procedures. Environmental criteria—understood primarily as environmentally friendly characteristics of the purchased goods or services—may be included in the description of the subject of the contract, the bid evaluation criteria, or the contract performance conditions. In order to formulate such criteria, it is necessary for the green public procurement process to begin already at the planning stage of a given procurement.

2. Objectives of the Green Procurement Policy at Gdańsk University of Technology

The objective of the Green Public Procurement Policy of Gdańsk University of Technology is to reduce environmental impact by incorporating environmental criteria into the public procurement process, as well as to build environmental awareness in purchasing behavior. This document defines principles aimed at promoting sustainable development in the area of green procurement, serving as guidance for our actions and purchasing decisions. Preferring purchases with a lower negative environmental impact enables the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of natural resources, which is of great importance both for our region and for the entire planet.

This policy applies to public procurements carried out by Gdańsk University of Technology, including supplies, services, and construction works.

3. Environmental Aspects in the Procurement Process

The public procurement process begins with the preparation of the procurement, followed by the procedure leading to the conclusion and implementation of the contract. Environmental aspects should be considered throughout the entire procurement process. During the preparation phase, it is necessary to assess the environmental impact of the goods or services being procured and the possibilities for applying pro-environmental aspects, then identify appropriate characteristics that may affect the environment and properly incorporate them into the procedure. These may be included in the description of the subject of the contract, bid evaluation criteria, or contract performance conditions.

The description of the subject of the contract is a key element of procurement documentation. Above all, it should be clear and comprehensive, using sufficiently precise and understandable terms, taking into account requirements and circumstances that may affect the preparation of bids. This also applies to formulations concerning environmental requirements.

It must be ensured that the description of the desired environmental features does not violate the Public Procurement Law, in particular with regard to the principles of fair competition and equal treatment.

Bid evaluation criteria are a tool used to assess offers submitted by contractors and reward proposals that meet the contracting authority’s desired solutions. They enable the selection of the offer that best meets the established environmental criteria.

Evaluation criteria must be formulated in a clear and understandable way to ensure equal assessment of all bids. It is essential to precisely define how points are awarded for meeting specific criteria.

A public procurement contract should define the method of performance of the given service. It is important to introduce mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of the assumptions set out in the procurement documents and for reporting results.

4. Environmental Directions in Public Procurement

Gdańsk University of Technology will strive to apply environmental criteria in its procurements so that the purchased supplies, services, and construction works have a lower environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Such criteria may include, in particular, requirements for products that are:

• Made from reusable materials or biodegradable single-use materials,
• Repairable, with the highest possible level of repairability,
• Designed for long-term use,
• Energy- and water-efficient, minimizing energy and water consumption,
• Recyclable, supporting a zero-waste approach,
• Based on renewable, green energy,
• Sourced from sustainable farming, organic agriculture, or low-carbon food production.

In the case of services, criteria should primarily be based on:

• Selecting service providers that apply environmentally friendly practices,
• Services generating the lowest possible carbon footprint and consuming minimal water and energy,
• Services based on ecological, renewable, or reusable products, generating as little environmentally harmful waste as possible.

Environmental requirements for construction works should mainly be based on:

• The use of materials with the lowest possible environmental impact,
• The application of energy- and water-saving technologies,
• Minimizing construction waste and promoting recycling.

Conclusion

Gdańsk University of Technology, as an educational and research institution, plays a significant role in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection. The adoption and consistent implementation of a green public procurement policy is an important step toward achieving these goals and contributes to building a more sustainable future for all of us.

Out of concern for the natural environment, Gdańsk University of Technology has long been involved in activities aimed at its protection and sustainable development. As a socially responsible institution, the university recognizes the impact its actions may have on the surrounding ecosystem. Therefore, through green public procurement, Gdańsk University of Technology contributes to the protection of our ecosystem.