The first European Union’s GPP Helpdesk webinar of 2025, organised by ICLEI Europe, will address the topic of water in public procurement. Water management and resources can impact a substantial portion of economic activities and industries. By incorporating water-related criteria into procurement decisions—such as prioritising water-efficient technologies, infrastructure, and practices that minimise water waste and pollution, public buyers can drive significant reductions in water consumption and scarcity while improving quality.
The connection between GPP and water management is especialy relevant in the context of the reports from the European Environment Agency (EEA) highlighting the ongoing challenges of water scarcity, pollution and ecosystem degradation across Europe. In addition to mitigating envrionmental impacts Green public procurement also supports the EU's broader environmental and climate objectives, fostering healthier aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding water resources for future generations. Furthermore, public authorities can purchase infrastructure that helps manage droughts and floods.
Agenda
- Welcome and Introduction from the EU GPP Helpdesk, Ivan Azevedo, Policy Officer, Unit B.1, Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission.
- Overview of the state of water in Europe, Dr. Caroline Whalley, Expert, Water Industries and Pollution, European Environment Agency.
- Use of water-saving techniques criteria in contracts, Andrea Sabbadini, Manager of the Expenditure Monitoring Department of the Regional Health Service, Lazio Region, Italy.
- Improving water quality through public procurement, Anette Svensson, Sustainability Specialist, Upphandlingsmyndigheten (Swedish National Agency for Public Procurement), Sweden.