Sustainable public procurement is a key tool in tackling climate change. This was the message given by more than 220 delegates from 41 countries at the 7th EcoProcura conference in Iceland's captivating capital. 

Public authority delegates pledged to use their vast economic purchasing power to help fight climate change, by strongly boosting the market for climate friendly products and services. Participants also called on national governments to put the issue firmly on their agendas in the decisive round of global climate negotiations that are to take place at COP 15 in Copenhagen.

The financial crisis has hit Iceland hard but both the City of Reykjavik and the national government are now forging ahead, using sustainable purchasing as a sound basis for a sound future, providing an excellent host for EcoProcura 2009. This commitment was reinforced by the signing of the new Icelandic sustainable procurement national action plan at the event by the Ministers of the Environment and Finance.

Delegates were encouraged to "think globally and act locally", which, according to Iceland’s Environment Minister, Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir, "is the mantra that will lead us to a more sustainable society". With over 2 trillion Euros spent on goods and services by public authorities in the European Union alone, the economic potential to push for sustainably innovative technologies and product solutions by local governments and all public bodies is enormous. However, it is only by combining and co-ordinating strategies and actions taking place at the local, national, European and international levels that this potential will be reached.

Demonstrating to budget-conscious public authorities that sustainable procurement is efficient procurement was highlighted as a priority. Promoting the greater use of life-cycle costing and finding the most efficient ways to meet real needs were presented as key in achieving this. The City of Vienna presented the most striking example, boasting savings of EUR 43 million over 4 years, as the direct result of their sustainable procurement activities.

The highly interactive conference programme, also including training sessions, was designed to maximise opportunities for in-depth discussion and networking, and was much appreciated by participants. 

Visit the Outcomes section download the press releases to see the conference photos and read some pledges from conference participants.

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is located halfway between Europe and North America. The EcoProcura 2009 conference offered a bridge for participants from both continents to encourage the development of transatlantic exchange and cooperation.

With 72% of its total energy consumption derived from hydroelectric and geothermal sources and almost 100% in electricity and house heating, Iceland constitutes a global leader in renewable energy. The abundance of the volcanic island's renewable energy sources, and the creative and forward-looking mindset of its population have made Iceland an inspirational place where tackling climate change is a natural step.