Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) is the Department of Public Works within the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. Along with performance-based specifications, RWS uses two tools within their procurement processes to encourage sustainable working practices, the use of green materials, energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. Bidders’ commitments to reducing CO 2 emissions throughout projects are also taken into account during the award phase. These methods aim to utilise the market’s creative capacities to achieve better quality, more innovative solutions.