Environmental Sustainability - Guidance and links

OGC Guidance

The following OGC publications aim to assist departments in improving the sustainability of their operations and procurement and in meeting Government's environmental targets and commitments:

• SOGE guidance (PDF, 557KB): This guidance has been developed to help all organisations covered by the SOGE targets to understand what is required, highlight best practice and signpost sources of assistance.  It defines the scope and requirements of the SOGE targets but does not cover the mandated mechanisms. It outlines the actions that departments should be taking to improve and report on performance. 
• Buy Green and Make a Difference (PDF, 291KB):  This document aims to help procurers and decision makers in the public sector to protect the environment through the money they spend. It is intended as an introduction to the area and provides links to more detailed guidance throughout. It provides guidance on integrating environmental considerations into procurement, including actions to take at each stage of the procurement process and examples.
• Top Quartile Guidance (PDF, 575KB): In 2004, the UK government committed to procuring buildings in the top quartile of energy performance. All departments, executive agencies and NDPBs are bound by this commitment. This guidance note provides information on the top quartile level for 2010, the scope of the top quartile commitment, and how government will monitor and report on compliance. The top quartile of energy performance for office buildings for 2010 has been determined as an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of 68 or less.
• Environmental Issues in Purchasing (PDF, 365KB): This document is currently being updated. It provides more detailed guidance on including environmental issues in procurement activity.  It includes key points for successful consideration of the environment in procurement ("dos and don'ts") and actions to take at each stage of the procurement process.  It also considers whole-life costing, taking into account the framework of the Government's procurement policy and the EC procurement rules.
• Considering Energy Efficiency in Procurement (PDF, 220KB): This guide aims to help government procurers consider energy efficiency in purchasing decisions.  It provides background to the drivers for incorporating energy efficiency in the procurement process, as well as: 
  - Key considerations for energy efficiency and opportunities for assistance;
  - How to integrate energy efficiency at each stage of the procurement process;
  - Examples of good practice; and
  - Links and reference throughout to further detailed tools and guidance.

Further Guidance

The following webpage has a list of websites and publications from other organisations that may also be useful.