SUSTAINABLE COFFEE: CASE FOR THE FUTURE

BLOGPOST, Mon 17 May 2010 17:03, Yvonne Keijzers

Before they seriously set to work, every morning hundreds of thousands of people drink a good cup of coffee. No wonder coffee machine manufacturers are eager to sell their machines. But how to purchase a good and sustainable coffee machine for your office through a tender procedure?

Although the choise of coffee might be of interest, more interesting is the fact that the procurement of coffee machines suddenly seems to be a case of whether or not it is prohibited to request a (environmental) label for government contracts. The outcome of the hofprocedure can have a significant effect on sustainable procurement in the future. In the Netherlands, but also in other European Countries.

Sustainable boost

The use of (European) labels might give sustainable purchasing a serious boost, and therefore a broad discussion about labels and trademarks for various products must take place on an European level. What are boundaries? Do endusers and purchasers need someting more than a European Eco-Flower label?

At the same time, purchasers and endusers must not be confronted with too many different or non-tranparant labels.

Sustainable purchasing

Government Purchasers in The Netherlands are confronted with a sustainable purchasing strategy. The central government in The Netherlands intends to implement a 100% sustainable purchasing strategy. The municipal authorities are aiming for 75% in 2010 and 100% by 2015. Provincial (regional) governments and water boards want to implement a 50% sustainable purchasing strategy in 2010.

Which product is sustainable?

The sustainability criteria are formulated by Agentschap.nl, which resides under the Ministry of VROM. For many manufacturers/suppliers it isn't quite clear how these criteria were developed or how they can influence this process. Conversely, buyers/purchasers don't know which product matches the criteria and which do not. Or where to find these products.

Tender procedure not correct

Recently the province Noord-Holland awarded a contract for supplying and managing coffee machines through a public tender at the EU level. The Committee subsequently received a complaint about this case and launched investigations, according to Binnenlands Bestuur. The Committee claimed the procedure did not meet the tender requirements of the EU in the field of public procurement. Particularly with regard to the technical specifications and the selection and award criteria.

In a letter to the European Committee on August 14, 2009, the Minister stated that, in his opinion, the Dutch province of Noord-Holland did not act inconsistently with the procurement rules. The Netherlands will therefore defend themselves against the position of the European Committee.

Yvonne Keijzers