Introduction

Digitalisation is a pivotal driver of economic recovery in the EU, with public authorities encouraged to shape their recovery strategies around green and digital priorities. This emphasis includes allocating at least 20% of public expenditure to support the digital transition. Consequently, public sector spending on digitalisation is accelerating, which has a direct impact on environmental and climate objectives. 

The CoP Digital plays a vital role in modernizing public sector digitalisation by equipping public buyers to integrate innovative, sustainable clauses into their procurement processes. This approach seeks to balance technological advancement with environmental stewardship, helping to create a more sustainable digital future.  

Context of the session  

As part of its initial mission, the CoP Digital is examining which are the foundational aspects to consider when discussing sustainability procurement in ICT. In particular, this session will address some essential questions, such as:  

• Key Definition: What do we mean by sustainable procurement in ICT? Which are the main criteria involved?  
• Life-Cycle Impact: How can we effectively measure the sustainability impact of ICT?  How to consider the entire product's entire life cycle? 
• Assessment Practices: What methods can public buyers use to assess and minimize the environmental footprint of ICT tools? 

By addressing these questions, this session aims to foster knowledge sharing and advance a greener approach to ICT procurement in the public sector.