Sustainable Procurement Limited

Costing the Future: Securing Value for Money through Sustainable Procurement

The final report of Westminster Sustainable Business Forum's enquiry into sustainability in public procurement across central and local government "Costing the Future: Securing Value for Money through Sustainable Procurement" was published in June 2008.

This report analyses challenges and barriers faced by policy-makers, procurers and contractors throughout the public procurement process, with particular emphasis on buildings and construction projects.

The report draws on evidence gathered through enquiry sessions, interviews and desk research. Those presenting evidence included representatives of central and local government, procurement specialists, business leaders and other stakeholders.

31 recommendations for action are presented, covering such issues as whole life budgeting and costing, measuring success and the leadership and guidance required from government and from HM Treasury in particular.

Barbara co-chaired the group responsible for Costing the Future, alongside David Kidney, MP. A follow-up conference was held in London on 14 October 2008. The report can be found here.

The International Sustainable Consumption Conference

In June 2008, Barbara gave a presentation at the International Sustainable Consumption Conference in Beijing, China and hosted workshops on green procurement and eco-labelling. Barbara's subject was The National Strategy on Sustainable Public Procurement in the UK.
The agenda for the Conference and workshops can be found here.
Barbara's Powerpoint outline can be found here.

• Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic Of China
• Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic Of China
• United Nations Environment Programme
• European Commission

Africa Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production

Barbara Morton recently attended the fifth meeting of the Africa Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production held in Midrand, South Africa 4-6 June 2008. In her role as technical advisor to the Marrakech Task Force on Sustainable Public Procurement (MTF on SPP) she facilitated a workshop on sustainable public procurement.

The conclusions and recommendation of the round table can be found here.

Back to Back with the Roundtable meeting, the Marrakech Task Force on SPP ran its first 'Training of Trainers' session in Midrand, South Africa. There are now 14 'trained experts' who are able to implement the SP approach in their own countries.

The Marrakech Task Force is now working with a number of countries who are keen to embed sustainable public procurement in their practices. A schedule of work is being developed for international implementation.

3rd International Seminar in Public Procurement

Barbara participated in the 3rd International Seminar in Public Procurement held in Asuncion, Paraguay in September 2008. Barbara gave three presentations at this event, where she talked about progress in the UK as well as the work of the Marrakech Task Force on Sustainable Public Procurement. A number of Task Force members also presented on their work including procurement specialists representing Ghana, Mexico and the City of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Barbara participated in training events in Panama and Mexico in 2009.

National Sustainable Procurement Conference, Australia

Barbara also spoke at the National Sustainable Procurement Conference held in Brisbane, Australia on 18-19 September 2008. This conference was organised by the Queensland Government.