DFO Launches New Guide on Climate and Environmental Considerations
Cobrief attended DFO's launch of a new guide for climate and environmental considerations in public procurement, and will integrate key changes into our software to make it easier for businesses to meet the new requirements.
Introduction
The Norwegian Agency for Public and Financial Management (DFO) today launched a guide on climate and environmental considerations in public procurement. We were present at Kulturhuset in Oslo to catch the most important points. These points will be implemented as features in Cobrief, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Hilde Singsaas from DFO opened by presenting the guide, developed on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. Her message was clear: To reach Norway's climate goals, we must significantly reduce emissions, and public procurement is a key tool in this process.
The Need for Stronger Environmental Measures
A central point in the introduction was Asplan Viak's carbon footprint calculations, which revealed a global carbon footprint of 11.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents from public procurement and investments. This underscores the need for stronger environmental measures.
Furthermore, various strategies and methods for integrating climate and environmental considerations into public procurement were discussed. An important element in the new regulation is that climate and environmental considerations must weigh a minimum of 30% in the evaluation of public procurement. This provides a unique opportunity for procurers to leverage the regulatory framework to promote sustainable choices, but also opportunities for suppliers who excel in climate and environmental matters to stand stronger in tender competitions.
Ingjerd Dahl, legal advisor in DFO's procurement division, presented a detailed review of the new rules. She emphasized the importance of assessing the climate footprint and environmental impact to effectively set requirements and criteria in the procurement process.
Sarah Fossen Sinnathamby, also from DFO, highlighted the implementation of these requirements and criteria, and how they can ensure a real environmental impact in procurement. She shared practical examples of integrating climate and environmental considerations.
Tobias Løkken Amundsen, legal advisor, focused on proposal evaluation under the new guidelines, while Helga Nermoen Burheim, advisor in the procurement division, introduced the new climate and environmental risk list — a tool for increasing understanding and assessment of environmental impacts in procurement.
Conclusion
The event concluded with a panel discussion led by Helene Hoggen, with input from experts from the Norwegian Environment Agency, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, KLUGE, and DFO. They shared valuable insights and advice on implementing climate and environmental considerations.
In summary, it was announced that DFO will organize more webinars and meetings to support public procurers in their sustainability efforts. Participants were also encouraged to contact DFO for further advice and guidance.
This event underscores the growing awareness and effort toward sustainable public procurement, an area Cobrief is deeply engaged in. By staying updated on such initiatives, we can better support our customers in competitions while fulfilling both their and society's environmental commitments.