In order to achieve sustainable development that meets the needs of todays and future generations a number of governance instruments are needed in order to bring about this change. Local, regional, national and international sustainability goals can be achieved by using the purchasing power of the public sector.
Purchasing authorities accounts for around one fifth of Sweden´s GDP. Setting sustainability criteria in public procurement processes can increase market demand of sustainable products, stimulate innovation, and decrease government expenditures.
Socially responsible public procurement (SRPP) takes into account fair employment opportunities, compliance with social and labour rights, social inclusion, and equal opportunities and accessibility.
This study covers the current practise of social sustainable public procurement in Sweden, based on interviews with officials at contracting authorities and their policy documents.
The focus of the study is current policies and implementation of SRPP, how the contracting authorities identify needs and plan the procurement process, raise awareness of SRPP and involve key stakeholders, take decisions on criteria in the procurement procedure, carry out contract management and methods applied for following up contracts.
The findings of the study are compared to current SIA framework, aiming at identifying how practices can be further improved.
2018.
IAIA18: Environmental Justice in Societies in Transition, 38th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment, Durban International Convention Center, Durban, South Africa, 16-19 May 2018