The government has outlined its intention to ‘lead
by example’ on sustainable procurement, during the first meeting of the
sustainable procurement task force. Set up under the government’s Sustainable
Development Strategy, the sustainable public procurement task force will draw up
a an action plan by April 2006 to bring about a step-change in sustainable
public procurement with the aim of making the UK one of Europe’s leaders in
the field by 2009.
The action plan will set out how to; avoid adverse environmental impacts arising
on the government estate and in the supply-chain; make more efficient use of
public resources and set an example for business and the public and demonstrate
that government and the wider public sector is serious about sustainable
development.
The UK public sector has a budget of more than £125bn, which gives it a unique
influence in transforming markets.
"The government has a crucial role in furthering sustainable development
through its procurement of goods, services and buildings. We want to be an
example for others to follow and to demonstrate that everybody involved in
purchasing - including householders and the public and private sectors - can
contribute to sustainable development,” said Margaret Beckett, Secretary of
State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
"The success of the public sector in developing the market for sustainable
timber through purchasing shows what can be achieved; the positive response from
the timber trade sets an example for the private sector to follow in other
fields - illustrating the important leadership role of government," she
added.
Financial Secretary John Healey MP added; "The setting up of the Task Force
should help increase awareness of our environment and how government is leading
the initiative on sustainable procurement.”
ConnectPress®, Ltd. Entire contents copyrighted by ConnectPress, Ltd. All rights reserved.