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CO₂ Performance Ladder Europe

The objective of this CoP is to fully support and inspire members to start working with the CO₂ Performance Ladder to achieve ambitious decarbonization objectives.

News article14 November 2025

Portugal’s first GPP capacity-building programme integrates the CO₂ Performance Ladder

Portugal’s first GPP capacity-building programme integrates the CO₂ Performance Ladder

Portugal’s first GPP capacity-building programme integrates the CO₂ Performance Ladder


The inaugural “CO₂ Performance Ladder START - Sustainable Public Procurement” programme equipped multidisciplinary teams from several Portuguese public entities to embed clear, measurable environmental criteria in procurement procedures. With 15+ graduates, multiple public authorities involved, including LIPOR, Porto Ambiente, and the Direção Regional do Ambiente e do Mar, and 5+ tenders already integrating the CO₂ Performance Ladder, the programme shows how CO₂ Performance Ladder can accelerate Portugal’s ECO360 goals ( GPP national strategy) in a simple, verifiable and efficient way. 

The teaching panel brings together legal experts, carbon specialists, innovation and procurement practitioners, and a representative from the ECO360 core team, ensuring both policy alignment and hands-on application. A second edition is in November–December to broaden the impact and support further public bodies in implementing sustainable procurement.

Participant E-REDES quote (Portugal’s electricity Distribution System Operator (DSO):

“The CO₂ Performance Ladder START training provided EDP with an in-depth, hands-on understanding of integrating new ESG criteria geared towards decarbonisation. This experience was essential to enrich our engagement with the value chain and strengthen our sustainability practices.”

Highlights of the capacity building program:

  • 1st edition completed: 15+ graduates; public entities such as LIPOR, Porto Ambiente, Direção Regional do Ambiente e do Mar; 5+ tenders already using CO₂PL.
  • Expert teaching panel: legal, carbon, innovation and procurement experts, plus an ECO360 core-team representative.
  • Peer exchange on challenges and lessons learned when operationalising environmental criteria in public tenders.
  • CO₂ Performance Ladder positioned as a practical accelerator for ECO360 decarbonisation targets.
  • 2nd edition running November–December 2025
  • The next edition starts on 24/11 - Registration link: https://forms.office.com/e/cFn3FNQ5xd
  • Note: Priority is given to public sector bodies in Portugal.