Boosting Sustainability in Public Contracts in Lower Saxony
Brace yourself for a greener future as Lower Saxony prepares to shift its focus towards sustainability in public contracts. Starting December, this new approach will apply to all awarded contracts, as announced by the State Chancellery in Hanover. Economics Minister Olaf Lies (SPD) unveiled a regulation plan that aims to revolutionize procurement practices in the region.
The regulations will transform the way we approach food and catering services. Organic production and seasonal goods will be favored, making these services more environmentally-friendly. In the construction sector, the use of renewable materials, quality-assured recycled materials, or a certain percentage of these materials will also be considered when procuring construction services.
The new regulations offer a chance for companies that already offer sustainable products but can't provide the cheapest options. Cost-effectiveness remains a priority, but Lies emphasizes, "It's not always true that the cheapest product is the most economical. We want to incentivize companies to offer more sustainable products and services."
Related developments and initiatives might help illuminate how public contracts in Lower Saxony are evolving:
- Organic Animal Feed Production: ForFarmers N.V., with its division Reudink based in Fürstenau, Lower Saxony, is expanding its production of organic animal feed. This expansion aims to meet rising market demands, minimize transport distances, and maximize the use of existing production capacity, contributing to a more sustainable food industry.
- Circular Economy Initiatives: North Rhine-Westphalia, neighboring Lower Saxony, is promoting circular economy practices. This includes strategies like upcycling raw materials, developing durable products, and redesigning products for higher resource efficiency. While specific details about Lower Saxony aren't provided, such initiatives could indirectly influence public contract modifications in the region.
- Sustainable Building and Energy Efficiency: The Häuslbauermesse in Graz, Austria, highlights the importance of sustainable building and energy efficiency. While not directly connected to Lower Saxony, similar events or initiatives in Germany could potentially impact how public contracts are framed in terms of sustainability.
- Hydrogen Infrastructure: The development of hydrogen infrastructure in regions like Rostock and Lubmin, northeastern Germany, might shape public contract modifications, especially in the construction sector. The establishment of related industries and job creation could lead to more sustainable practices in public contracts.
Although these initiatives don't focus on public contracts in Lower Saxony specifically, they illustrate a broader wave of sustainability across Germany, which could influence contract modifications in the region. More detailed information on public contract modifications would require further research or official documents from Lower Saxony's government.
