Government Buying Standards (GBS) for Sustainable Purchases
In a significant shift towards sustainable practices, the UK government has introduced the Government Buying Standards (GBS) and updated the Procurement Act 2023, transforming the landscape of public procurement. These changes aim to integrate environmental, social, and economic value into procurement decisions, promoting sustainability, transparency, and social value.
The Government Buying Standards
These set mandatory requirements for central government purchases, ensuring that procurement supports sustainability objectives such as energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and environmental protection. The GBS specify criteria for products and services, encouraging the use of more sustainable options.
Sustainable Procurement under the Procurement Act 2023
The 2023 Act introduces a Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) approach, replacing the previous Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). MAT evaluates tenders based not only on cost but also on quality, social value, and environmental impact. Public contracts now require a minimum 10% weighting for social value, ensuring tenders are assessed on their contribution to community development, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Emphasis on energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy in public sector projects is mandatory, with suppliers expected to demonstrate how their offers improve sustainability outcomes and reduce carbon footprints. The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) mandates contracting authorities to align procurement activities with the government’s social and environmental missions, including a place-based approach to support local economic and social priorities. Transparency is enhanced with open contract publication and fairer opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises.
Social and Environmental Value Integration
Authorities must consider environmental impact, energy usage, and social benefits throughout the procurement lifecycle, making sustainability a core criterion alongside price and delivery capability. The procurement policy fosters a mission-driven, socially responsible approach that supports the government’s wider climate and social goals, emphasizing community and economic regeneration alongside environmental stewardship.
Adoption of the Government Buying Standards
The government requires all departments and related organizations to meet the minimum mandatory Government Buying Standards when purchasing goods and services. The GBS have been developed with input from government, industry, and wider stakeholders. While initially designed for government use, any organization can choose to adopt them, making sustainable procurement practices accessible to all.
Looking Ahead
The government promotes meeting best practice standards, which go beyond the mandatory standards. The product specifications in the Government Buying Standards are primarily for public sector organizations procuring goods or services. As more organizations adopt these standards, the hope is that sustainable procurement will become the norm, contributing significantly to the government's broader sustainability and social goals.
- The Government Buying Standards, now mandatory for all central government purchases, promote sustainability by specifying criteria for products and services, which encourages the use of more sustainable options in industries like lifestyle and home-and-garden.
- With the emphasis on social value and environmental impact in public contracts under the Procurement Act 2023, sustainable living practices can be integrated into various sectors, including home-and-garden, through the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient products and services.
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