Towards Mandatory SPP for Buildings/Works

Abstract

The European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan are bringing about a tectonic shift in public procurement from the traditional market opening approach focused on ‘how to buy’ towards a framework for ‘what’ is bought. Buildings account for 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and 36% of energy-related direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. In the EU, heating, cooling and domestic hot water account for 80% of households’ energy. Logically, buildings are at the core of EU policy and legislation proposals aiming at fighting climate change. This article focuses on the role SPP is to play with reference to buildings and more generally to works procurements and this specifically in the light of the reform proposals following from the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. It highlights both the progress proposed and the limitations that may yet be corrected during the legislative process.