Fingal County Council is developing a green procurement policy. This policy, which arises from a Green Party motion, will include a full range of environmental and social considerations. The Environment Strategic Policy Committee recently approved the draft policy for circulation within the Council. Some more information and the draft policy are below. <\/p>\n
Cllr. David Healy, who chairs the Committee and is a General Election
\ncandidate for Dublin North East, pointed out that the issue of green
\nprocurement enjoyed cross-party support within the Council and had also
\nbeen enthusiastically welcomed by Council officials. He is optimistic
\nthat the policy will be formally adopted by the monthly Council meeting
\nin April.<\/p>\n
The draft policy covers a wide range of issues including greenhouse gas
\nemissions, worker’s rights, animal welfare, recycling, sustainable
\ntimber procurement, packaging, toxic materials, energy efficiency,
\nvehicles, organic food, etc. When the policy is finally adopted, the
\nCouncil will include these conditions in its purchasing and contracting
\ndecisions.<\/p>\n
Cllr Healy said: "Public authority spending constitutes about 15 per
\ncent of GDP in the EU. This means their purchasing decisions can often
\ndetermine the way relevant markets operate. By including green
\nconsiderations in its purchasing policies, Fingal County Council will
\nstimulate demand for cleaner greener production. It will also be
\nproviding a better service to citizens and often strengthening the
\nlocal economy."<\/p>\n
The Council has, following another Green motion, joined ICLEI,<\/a> the
\nInternational Council on Local Environmental Initiatives. ICLEI, in
\ncooperation with the European Commission, has been assisting local
\nauthorities throughout Europe in developing and implementing green
\nprocurement policies. Fingal County Council officials have benefited
\nfrom ICLEI’s advice in drafting the policy.<\/p>\n