In 2013, the Danish government launched a new joint strategy for smart public procurement, which focused on improving public procurement through efficiency, innovation, quality and sustainability. The sustainability aspects were approached by incorporating environmental and energy requirements in order to develop green solutions. The strategy, established by means of a circular and guidelines on public procurement of sustainable timber issued by the Environment Ministry, included purchasing verifiably sustainable timber for wood-based products, as well as for public construction works and state buildings. The guidelines apply to all ministries and state institutions.