EU launches Green Public Procurement Criteria for...

Roadsigns!

4. GPP Procurement Criteria for Traffic Signs
4.1. Core GPP Procurement Criteria for Traffic Signs
SUBJECT MATTER
Purchase of environmentally sound traffic signs.
AWARD CRITERIA
1. Recycled materials should be used when manufacturing the traffic sign, provided they comply with the relevant national standards for traffic signs. The bidder shall provide data on the content of the materials used.
Verification: The bidder must provide information and data as necessary on the type and amount of recycled material used.
2. The traffic sign product shall be durable and recyclable at the end of its useful life.
Verification: The bidder must provide information and data as necessary on the predicted lifetime of the traffic sign as well as information on how it can be recycled at the its end of life.
4.2. Comprehensive GPP Procurement Criteria for Traffic Signs
SUBJECT MATTER
Purchase of environmentally sound traffic signs.
AWARD CRITERIA
1. Recycled materials should be used when manufacturing the traffic sign, provided they comply with the relevant national standards for traffic signs. The bidder shall provide data on the content of the materials used.
Verification: The bidder must provide information and data as necessary on the type and amount of recycled material used
2. The traffic sign product shall be durable and recyclable at the end of its useful life.
Verification: The bidder must provide information and data as necessary on the predicted lifetime of the traffic sign as well as information on how it can be recycled at the its end of life.
3. The use of materials that reduce the visual impact of the road construction should be considered over visually intrusive materials; for example, the material used may negate the need for additional street lighting thus reducing the night-time visual impact.
Verification: The bidder must provide information and data as necessary on the benefits of the material in terms of reducing visual impact.
4. Energy consumption and CO2 emissions should be evaluated and reduced, particularly in the manufacture phase.
Verification: The bidder must provide information on the energy consumption of manufacturing and installing their product and a written guarantee that this criterion will be met.

4.3. Explanatory notes:
1. Award Criteria: Contracting authorities will have to indicate in the contract notice and tender documents how many additional points will be awarded for each award criterion. Environmental award criteria should, altogether, account for at least 10 to 15 % of the total points.
2. Contracting authorities should conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the proposed construction during the planning phase of the road. This should consider the geography (e.g. flora and fauna, proximity to houses – impact of noise, light and emissions), climate and drainage requirements of the proposed site so that the correct materials and machinery are used. The environmental impacts of the proposed project should be prioritised and be used to prioritise the weighting given to the criteria used in the tender contract.

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