Promoting climate-friendly products through eco-label and green public procurement (SCP Outreach)

Context

South- and Southeast Asian nations see a large influx of unsustainable goods into their markets, which hinder the growth of sustainable local industries. Moreover, these countries play pivotal roles in supplying commodities to global value chains and as hubs for labour-intensive manufacturing. In their current form, these economic activities have negative impacts on the environment and impact social and economic life.

Eco-labels and green public procurement (GPP) can mitigate the negative impacts that result from unsustainable production. In Viet Nam, these processes are well advanced, while Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka are still in the initial stages.

The project aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and the over-exploitation of natural resources. Moreover, it seeks to create effective, voluntary standards for products and services and set up relevant eco-labels. Eventually, it will facilitate the entry of these products into markets through green public procurement (GPP).

Objective

The Governments of countries in South- and Southeast Asia progressively procure more sustainable products and services.

Approach

To set up eco-labels and promote GPP the project:

• Supports conducive policy frameworks
• Enhances collaboration between the public and private sector
• Provides specialised policy and technical training
• Facilitates the exchange of knowledge in the region and worldwide

The actions encompass organising knowledge-sharing events between the countries, hosting stakeholder meetings to establish product criteria that apply across borders and assisting partner institutions in certifying eco-friendly products through eco-labels. Additionally, the project strives to enhance the skills and knowledge of the responsible organisations and raise awareness for the need of eco-friendly production.

Countries in the early stages of developing GPP policies receive support in setting up legislative frameworks, guidelines, and implementation strategies. This includes reliable eco-labels and the establishment of standardisation and certification systems or institutions. When this is implemented, the project focuses on enhancing the communication systems and incentive mechanisms to link GPP and eco-labels.

Last update: Juni 2023