Central de Compras Electrónicas
The Central de Compras Electrónicas (CCE) was created in 2007 with the aim of centralising procurement activities in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal. To date, 17 out of 18 municipalities have committed themselves to this purpose, which has resulted in savings of almost €3 million. Some of the product groups targeted under the green agenda include office stationary, traffic signs, cleaning products, musical instruments, tyres and electrical equipment.
The organisation is run by 4 staff, including the manager who designs and manages the strategy of collaborative procurement, the product manager who manages framework agreements and the technological manager who oversees all the technological tools such as the Public Procurement tool, Aggregation tool, Auction tool and Procurement/Catalogue tool.
Sustainable Procurement Activities
Joining the Procura+ Campaign has been one of the first steps taken by CCE in the move towards implementing sustainable procurement. At the same time CCE is working with national organisations, such as the National Institute of Engineering, Technology and Innovation (INETI) to define environmental criteria for its tendering processes.
- Introduction of sustainable purchasing criteria in tendering procedures
Since July 2009, the Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia (LNEG) has been working in collaboration with CCE and several public authorities to introduce sustainability criteria in tendering procedures. The criteria covered the following product groups: electric minibuses, hygiene products, bottled water, office equipment and public indoor and outdoor lighting.
Besides environmental criteria, some social criteria were also included, mainly related with workers fundamental rights and principles, as stated in the International Labour Organisation’s main conventions. The success achieved in the tendering procedures will be evaluated by filling out a questionnaire developed by LNEG.
- Engagement with LED lighting market
In June 2009, Ponta do Sal Municipality underwent refurbishment of its indoor and outdoor lighting system. LED technology replaced mercury steam lamps as well as some indoor incandescent bulbs. Aside from that, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system were also improved, single glazing façades replaced by double ones and solar panels installed for water heating purposes.
- Stakeholder consultation and involvement
Workshops will be held in Torres Vedras and Cascais Municipalities to discuss energy consumption priorities in three main areas: public lighting, buildings and transport. The Municipal Energy Efficiency Plans workshops will take place in late September 2010.
