The City of Ghent, located in the Flemish region of Belgium, is the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province. Ghent introduced an action plan for sustainability - "Ghent 2020" - in 2008. By 2020, more than 105 actions and projects will be implemented to make Ghent a more sustainable city and set an example within Belgium and Europe.

The City of Ghent is a firm believer that local governments, by using their substantial buying power, can have a significant leverage to push the market towards innovation for more sustainable products and services.

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is:

• An association of over 1,200 local governments that represents the interests of local authorities within the United Nations and at international policy forums.

• A movement driving positive change on a global scale through programmes and campaigns on local sustainability.

• A resource centre offering information, tools, networking, training and consulting services.

ICLEI has been working on sustainable procurement for over 15 years - helping support public authorities in implementation, spreading awareness of the concept, developing new approaches, and encouraging policy developments at the European and international level.

ICLEI is a member of the European Commission’s GPP EU-27 Advisory Group chaired by The European Commission's DG Environment, the  United Nations Marrakech Task Force on Sustainable Public Procurement and is a cofounder and Vice-Chair of the Internal Green Purchasing Network (IGPN).  We are involved in a variety of SPP initiatives and projects, hold events on SPP and co-ordinate networking activities:

• Ongoing SPP projects

• Completed projects

• Networking and exchange opportunities

• SPP services

The European Commission is the European Union's executive body and represents the interests of the Union as a whole, as opposed to the interests of individual countries. Through its Enterprise and Industry Directorate General, the Commission supports the public procurement of innovative solutions and lends its support to the EcoProcura conference.

DōShorts publishes the DōShorts Sustainable Business Collection, a new and dynamic series of practical expert guides to sustainable business. The collection can help organisations build capacity at scale, globally and cost-effectively, but is also ideal for individual sustainability professionals and consultants who need to keep up with best practice on a wide range of business sustainability challenges, including: reporting & materiality and all its component practices and processes, procurement, stakeholder and employee engagement, branding and product development, promoting sustainable behaviour, management frameworks, and more. The guides are available in print, ebook, and (by subscription) as an online collection of 60+ titles. New titles are added every month. Please visit our stand at EcoProcura and MeetTheBuyer to view and purchase our books or to set up a free trial subscription for your organisation.

CSR Europe is the leading European business network for Corporate Social Responsibility. Through its network of around 70 corporate members and 37 National CSR organisations, it gathers over 5,000 companies, and acts as a platform for those businesses looking to enhance sustainable growth and positively contribute to society. In its mission to bring the CSR agenda forward, CSR Europe goes beyond European borders and cooperates with CSR organisations in other regions across the world.

iDROPS is a non profit social innovation agency. The main goal of our organization is to change the world for the better through digital innovation and creativity. We do this via interventions, research and coaching. We work on the following themes: poverty, unemployment, urban innovation, aging, education, heath care, creative economy…

I-Cleantech Vlaanderen vzw is a network organisation in Flanders. Together with companies, research institutions, public bodies and civil society actors, i-Cleantech Flanders is a catalyst for innovation in a multitude of clean technologies and assists their subsequent implementation in society at large. i-Cleantech Flanders identifies and encourages the development of cleantech instruments that accelerate the realisation of a sustainable world.

iMinds is Flanders' digital research center and business incubator, established by the Flemish government in 2004. Building on the strength of our 850+ top researchers located at 5 Flemish universities, we introduce digital innovation in 6 key markets (ICT, Media, Health, Manufacturing, Energy and Smart Cities). iMinds collaborate with research partners to convert digital knowhow into real-life products and services that change people's lives for the better. Key asset is our agile, open research mind set and proven methodology.As a business incubator, iMinds also guides researchers, young entrepreneurs and start-ups in the successful market introduction of their ideas.

Digipolis is the expert ICT-partner of the City of Ghent, the OCMW (public welfare centre) of Ghent, the local police and several city schools. Digipolis arose from a merger between the ICT departments of the cities of Antwerp and Ghent and their respective social services bureaus. Uniting complementary expertise in activities and services, the combined operation benefits from increased efficiency of personnel, financial and technical means and larger volume purchases. Offering a comprehensive ICT support, Digipolis has now become a valuable source of ICT know-how in Belgium.

Annemie Van da Craen (AVdC) is experienced in planning, managing and servicing events Benelux-wide with a special focus on communication, business to business and sustainability. AVdC has received support from the ESF, Sustenuto and Unizo. It was also the first event organisation to become a member of Kauri, the Belgian meeting point for sustainability.

WEConnect International's goal is to connect more majority owned women's businesses intothe corporate supply chain. A corporate-led non-profit, WEConnect International helps to build sustainable communities and economic growth by empowering women business owners to succeed in global markets. WEConnect International's corporate members represent $700 billion in annual purchasing power and are true pioneers in inclusive sourcing, supplier diversity and global supplier development. Corporate members engaged in Europe include blue-chip organisations such as Accenture, Coca Cola, EY, IBM, Intel, Marriott Worldwide and RBS.

Oksigen for social entrepreneurship is a unique ecosystem - in Belgium and Europe - aiming to provide oxygen to social entrepreneurship. Through a “one stop shop” the Oksigen ecosystem provides financing, incubation & coaching services, research and consultancy to entrepreneurs with social and/or environmental ambitions.

Public Utility Foundation Antwerp-ITCCO was founded as UNITAR-affiliated training centre with the support of the City of Antwerp and the Flemish Government and in close collaboration with local and international businesses, trade unions, academia, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and many others. Antwerp-ITCCO organises high-level, innovative, interdisciplinary, multi-actor and practical learning and training methods to create awareness and to support the implementation of the development goals of the United Nations and to build capacity in the field of sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, business ethics, accountability and transparency, for intrapreneurs within companies, business community, governments, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, academia and knowledge centres, based in the City of Antwerp, strongly anchored in Belgium and with an international reputation and clientele.

IFMA is the world's largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals. In Belgium 700 members are connected to the federation. IFMA seeks to advance the facility management profession by providing networking opportunities and events for facility professionals. The organization provides a wide range of educational courses from entry-level programs to those for highly experienced facility managers. Moreover, IFMA conducts research that strengthens the knowledge and skills of FM professionals while advancing the FM profession.

VIBE is a Flemish non-profit organisation that promotes living in a healthy environment by using natural building materials. This involves keeping five components in mind that make up a construction that is human and nature-conscious: use of space, building materials, energy, water and health. VIBE issues the 'VIBE-label', which is awarded to distributors, contractors, architects and other construction professionals that have proven to be experienced in handling the materials they advertise. VIBE is also the Belgian representative of the natureplus label. VIBE Study & Consults delivers LCA studies and comparisons, EPD's, carbon sequestration calculations etc. for all interested parties, and is a valued partner for governments and major project developers within ghte Ecopolis project.

The European Sustainable Tropical Timber Coalition (European STTC) aims to increase demand for timber from sustainably managed forests to a mainstream level as key unlocking move for the tropical timber sector. Market players (both public and private) can become participant of the European STTC. Together with the partners of the European STTC they will develop action plans to contribute to the ambition of the European STTC. In addition, the European STTC maintains linkages with other organizations working on similar topics. By exchanging knowledge, experiences and views, these organizations are supporters of the European STTC and its ambition.

PIANOo, the Dutch Public Procurement Expertise Centre, was set up in 2005. It started out as a knowledge network for government procurement officers and contracting authorities. The name PIANOo stands for: Professioneel en Innovatief Aanbesteden, Netwerk voor Overheidsopdrachtgevers (Professional and Innovative Tendering, Network for Government Contracting Authorities). Since its start PIANOo has become the tendering expertise centre for the Dutch government, built up through a large network of around 3,500 public procurement professionals and contracting authorities. PIANOo brings experts in specific areas together, pools knowledge and experience and provides advice. It also fosters dialogue between government contracting authorities and private sector companies.

IWT is the Flemish government agency for Innovation by Science and Technology. IWT helps Flemish companies and research centres in realizing their research and development projects by offering them financial funding, advice and a network of potential partners in Flanders and abroad. IWT also supports the Flemish Government in its innovation policy, for example, by anaylising the effectiveness of Flemish innovation initiatives.

The Regional Environmental Center (REC) is an international organisation with a mission to assist in addressing environmental issues, by promoting cooperation among governments, non-governmental organisations, businesses and other environmental stakeholders. The REC actively participates in key global, regional and local processes and contributes to environmental and sustainability solutions within and beyond its country office network, transferring transitional knowledge and experience to countries and regions.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment is committed to improving quality of life, access and mobility in a clean, safe and sustainable environment. The Ministry strives to create an efficient network of roads, railways, waterways and airways, effective water management to protect against flooding, and improved air and water quality. The Ministry supports EcoProcura through partnership with the REBus and LIFE+ projects.

The Federal Institute for Sustainable Development (FIDO) is assigned to the Prime Minister's administration. It prepares the sustainable development politics in Belgium. In addition, it provides the coordination on the execution of this politics. Finally, it delivers expertise in sustainable development matters, more particularly on corporate social responsibility, sustainable public procurement, sustainable events, sustainable catering and environmental management.

Cojak is a dynamic communication collective from Ghent that uses communication as a tool to make a "Future Proof World". Resilient and rowdy if needed. Cojak thinks, creates and communicates for a sustainable economy. CSR is not marketing but a longterm evidence. We want communication that is justified: efficiently and effectively, but respectful. Sustainability is a serious business, but it's easy to take it too seriously. Surprise, make hints and explain. Sometimes with a shout, never with a lifted finger. Rather with a smile and a wink. Because we are all humans. Fallible, but resourceful and always hopeful.

Ethical Vegetarian Association (EVA) was founded in 2000 by Tobias Leenaert with the goal of enticing as many people as possible to eat vegetables through a variety of strategies: public information, great recipes, tasty activities, cooking lessons, workshops, the quarterly EVA magazine as well as other publications. EVA forges partnerships with private producers and institutions to promote the consumption of sustainably produced vegetables to benefit the health of people and the planet.

Ecolife, founded in 2002, is a non-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing behavioural change towards more sustainable lifestyles and reducing the ecological impact of societal actors through a variety of tools, e.g. footprint-based measurements, campaigns, workshops and innovative change approaches. Ecolife enables organisations to improve their ecological goals and further the actual sustainable behaviour of its people.

CO2logic ('CO2' + 'logic') is the result of a very specific belief: to fight effectively and efficiently against climate change. Since its beginnings in 2006, CO2logic has advised and supported various organizations (NGOs, businesses, public authorities and more) in their strategy to calculate, reduce, offset and communicate their CO2 emissions.

Enterprise Europe Network Flanders aims to maximise business opportunities for Flemish companies – with a focus on SMEs – in the European Union. In doing so, it covers a wide range of activities, from finding international partners through applying for EU funding and sourcing technology, to protecting intellectual property and providing information on EU laws and standards.

Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a global, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide. Through the diverse voices of its members - including environmental and social organisations, businesses, forest owners and managers, processing companies and individuals - FSC defines the best practices for forest management that are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable.

FIRED-uP (FIRE services Develop innovative Procurement) is a European Commission funded three year project targeting innovation in the environmental performance of fire and rescue service frontline vehicles. The project partners are examining the existing environmental performance of their fleets and investigating which innovative solutions are available in the market to reduce their environmental impact.

Business & Society Belgium is the leading network for companies that, together with diverse stakeholders, strive to shape a sustainable society. The network is a place to share ideas and knowledge and acts as a sounding board to mainstream corporate social responsibility and engage in continuous improvement. B&SB’s aim is to have a real and concrete impact through co-creation projects in order to create the conditions for a more inclusive, green and responsible economy.

The Ghent Convention Bureau is the official body promoting the city of Ghent and the province of East Flanders as a convention and event destination. It represents all parties involved in the organisation of many different events. The Ghent Convention Bureau has the confidence of the partners with which it engages and guarantees objective, neutral and free advice.

The Government of Flanders attaches great importance to sustainable development. It is by means of sustainable public procurement that the Government of Flanders aims at stimulating sustainable consumption and production. The Government of Flanders aims to serve as a role model and inspire and stimulate other actors to follow suit. The second Flemish Action Plan for Sustainable Public Procurement (Dutch) was adopted by the Flemish Government on 21 December 2012. The Action Plan’s objective is to achieve 100% sustainable public procurement by the year 2020.

Green Track is the transition network for the cultural sector in Ghent. Over 40 organisations involved in music, theatre, festivals, dance, film and exhibitions work together to lower the ecological impact of their activities and venues, and to increase the ecological awareness of artists, producers and the public. Sustainable procurement is one of Green Track’s main areas of interest.

KAURI is the Belgian stakeholders network. KAURI consists of a broad range of companies, civil society organisations, governments, academic institutions and other associations. It provides a confidential and inspirational platform where members can share relations, expertise and knowledge to move towards a sustainable future. To this end, Kauri develops a series of networking and inspirational events for and with its members every year.

UNIZO is the largest organization for entrepreneurs in Flanders and Brussels with 125 cooperating organisations and over 85 000 members. Aiming to protect the interest of entrepreneurs, providing information and advice and stimulating networking, UNIZO is targeted specifically at start-ups, young companies, growing companies, international active companies and business transfer. UNIZO International is responsible for stimulating international trade for Flemish SMEs and cooperation in European and international projects.

VIB (Association for Purchasing and Logistics) unites procurement and logistics professionals from the private and public sectors in Flanders. The association supports companies in the optimisation of their supply chain processes to drive personal professional development and to further professionalise the supply chain. VIB provides permanent education and training, and organises seminars, workshops and conferences on topics of current interest in the field. It also hosts a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and benchmarking.

Voka, the Chamber of Commerce for East Flanders, aims to create the best possible environment for successful entrepreneurship and to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the region in a fundamental way. Voka represents 3 000 member companies from all sectors spread over five sub regions in Flanders.

NNOF stands for Nearly New Office Facilities. NNOF is a service provider that aims to support its clients in making their office facilities more sustainable. NNOF transforms existing furniture into new office equipment. Its activities range from repairing chairs and replacing seat upholstery etc. to the complete conversion of existing office configurations and new contemporary office designs. The basic raw materials for the transformation are obtained from the existing office environment and are reprocessed and reused. NNOF is a forerunner in the circular economy and 'urban mining', with a firm belief that maximum recycling is the only solution for offering our planet a viable future. 

Bubble Post specializes in first and last mile delivery in the city centers. The ecologic vehicles carry and deliver the goods fast and efficient. Smart warehousing and same day delivery enables retail shopkeepers, carriers and e-commerce companies to respond to the fast evolving needs of their customers. Bubble Post provides urban logistics with respect for the planet and city dwellers! Beside Ghent, the unique cargo bikes will also light up this summer the cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Kortrijk and Sint-Niklaas.

Moonen Packaging is a European frontrunner in sustainable packaging and packaging materials. From its head office in Weert Moonen designs and develops its compostable packaging materials for use in industrial applications and by the food service, supermarkets and retail sectors and distributes these throughout the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, making use of the most efficient logistics operations possible. In addition to developing ecologically-friendly and innovative products and concepts, Moonen distinguishes itself as a packaging specialist by proactively helping its customers save time and money while reducing their CO2 emissions.

Basware is the global leader in providing purchase-to-pay and e-invoicing solutions in the world of commerce. They empower companies to unlock value across their financial operations by simplifying and streamlining key financial processes. The Basware Commerce Network, the largest open business network in the world, connects one million companies across 100 countries and enables easy collaboration between buyers and suppliers of all sizes.

Eandis is an independent service company that operates the electricity and natural gas distribution grid in 234 Flemish cities and municipalities (its main partners and shareholders). Eandis technicians maintain and expand the grid, fix failures and see to new gas and electricity connections for homes and companies. Eandis also plays a major role in combating energy poverty by supplying energy to disadvantaged members of society who – because of payment problems – can no longer get energy from commercial energy suppliers. Fulfilling another public service obligation, Eandis raises environmental awareness, promoting the rational use of energy (RUE).

Ecover Professional is the largest producer of ecological detergents and cleaning products in Europe. The Ecover head office is located in Malle, Belgium and its products are sold in more than 40 countries. With more than 30 years of experience in research and development, Ecover manufactures detergents and cleaning products based on vegetable raw materials and minerals that provide the best results at a fair price. In addition to consumer products, Ecover also produces professional cleaning products that meet the challenges found in industrial and commercial environments.

Publiganda : How to transform your fair participation into an overwhelming success? You attract the right visitor by showing him your benefits. This message is communicated in an atmosphere of originality and effective communication. As experts in stand construction, Publiganda likes to help you out from developing your concept to the final realization of your project, all in a sustainable manner.

Ryhove vzw is a sheltered workshop with plants in Ghent and Merelbeke with about 400 employees, including 320 employees with disabilities. The sheltered workshop was founded in 1963 and is the oldest one in East-Flanders. Ryhove specialises in the packing of sweets and chocolate, in graphic finishing (both manual and mechanical) and working in enclave (community-based, real-world work experience).

TMVW, originally an inter-municipal water distribution company for a large part of Flanders, has gradually extended its activities to partner with the public sector. Since 2012, TMVW combines its relevant assets, large network of suppliers and contractors, economic weight and financial potential to create a Service and Procurement Center for public entities. Optimal overall efficiency, economies of scale, synergies and smart, ethical sustainable solutions form the core of this innovative approach to current and future procurement challenges.

Wienerberger develops energy-efficient and sustainable building material solutions that give a better quality of life. Through continuous improvements, Wienerberger creates added value for its customers. During the production process, consideration is given to people, the environment and nature.

The Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Production and Consumption (CSCP) provides scientific support to activities undertaken by UNEP and other organisations in the field of SCP. This support includes the development, testing, implementation and monitoring of concrete projects, especially in developing countries, which enables these countries to leapfrog to sustainable consumption and production patterns using life cycle thinking and regional perspectives as guiding principles.

Ecosistemi is an Italian environmental consulting company that works alongside companies and public administrations to improve the environmental and social quality of their actions. Since 1998, Ecosistemi has invested in training and innovation in order to offer Italy environmental consulting services at operational and strategic levels. In the context of green purchasing, Ecosistemi are promoters of the Forum CompraVerde – BuyGreen,  an event dedicated to  Green Procurement and the first Italian event ISO20121 certified as a sustainable event.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that labour peace is essential to prosperity. Today, the ILO helps advance the creation of decent work and the economic and working conditions that give working people and business people a stake in lasting peace, prosperity and progress.

EcoInstitut Barcelona is a not-for-profit associated work cooperative with members of various academic and professional backgrounds. Since 1999, EcoInstitut has worked to introduce sustainability principles in all sectors of society. EcoInstitut provides consultancy and applied research to help its clients find positive social, economic and environmental solutions. Among other projects, EcoInstitut is currently involved in monitoring and reporting progress of green public procurement programs.

The European Procurement & Public Private Partnership Law Review is an international quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal that provides  practitioners, academics, researchers and policy-makers with detailed coverage of all significant legal and policy developments in the Procurement and PPP areas across the European Union and beyond. After seven years of successfully covering the evolution of PPPs, the EPPPL has since 2012 broadened its focus to legal and policy issues raised by Procurement under Managing Editor Prof. Dr. Christopher Bovis.

The International Federation of Procurement and Supply Management (IFPSM) is the union of 48 National and Regional Purchasing Associations worldwide. IFPSM facilitates the development and distribution of knowledge to elevate and advance the procurement profession, thus favorably impacting the standard of living of citizens worldwide through improved business practices.

The International Green Purchasing Network (IGPN) is an organisation which promotes Green Purchasing around the globe by coordinating those who take the initiative in implementing Green Purchasing toward sustainable consumption and production. The network consists of international organisations, local authorities and NGOs.

NEVI is the leading Dutch Purchasing Management organisation with over 6,000 members in the private and public sector. As the authority in purchasing in the Netherlands, NEVI is involved in sustainable purchasing and procurement research, consultation and initiatives. NEVI also offers NEVI Publiek, a platform for buyers and procurers to exchange knowledge and experience.
 

Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) Initiative is a five-year initiative under the Clean Energy Ministerial and the International Partnership for Energy Efficient Cooperation. SEAD is a multinational collaboration between governments and the private sector seeking to transform the global market for energy efficient equipment and appliances. SEAD members, who are currently responsible for about half of global energy demand, work together in voluntary activities to bring more efficient technologies into the market, advocate for energy-efficiency policies and standards, and strengthen existing energy efficiency programs.

The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and recognize purchasing leadership that accelerates the transition to a prosperous and sustainable future.