Procurement of electricity supply (Barcelona City Council)
About this good practice
In 2013, the Barcelona City Council established a framework agreement (FA) for the supply of the electricity to buildings and installations of the Council and associated organisations (including public lighting).
Coinciding with the period for renewing the electricity contract currently in force, the City Council’s Department of Resources (which participates in the elaboration of the environmental criteria for the supply of electricity) decided to consult with the company involved in the FA in order to study the possibility of requiring that 100% of the electricity supplied comes from green sources, both in the extension of the contract and in future bids.
The company confirmed that there was no reason that all electricity provided should not be from renewable sources and/or high-efficiency cogeneration, although there would be an additional cost to request the Guarantee of Origin Certificate for the over 3,000 points of consumption to be registered. This additional cost was estimated at 0.5 cents per kwh consumed. In other words, no more than an additional 0.3% on the cost of the tendered contract.
Expert opinion
By using their purchasing power to choose goods, services and works with a reduced environmental impact, governments can make an important contribution towards sustainability goals. Energy is one of the main impact sectors for local and regional governments. The European Commission defines Green Public Procurement (GPP) as "a process whereby public authorities seek to procure goods, services and works with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle when compared to goods, services and works with the same primary function that would otherwise be procured." Green public procurement can be a major driver for innovation, incentivising the industry to develop more sustainable products and services. It may provide financial savings for public authorities and help them to become an example in a transition to a low-carbon and circular economy. In this good practice, Barcelona City Council has committed to a shift to use of 100% electricity from sustainable sources . The practice may be of interest to other European governments who wish to procure sustainable electricity.
Resources needed
Evidence of success
> 100% of the electricity consumed is from renewable sources and/or high-efficiency cogeneration with a guarantee of origin certificate.
> 75.165,9 t of CO2 savings over the time of the contract.
> 24.206,4 additional toe from "green" sources guaranteed.
Potential for learning or transfer
> Needs addressed are common among sectors, organisations and different regions/countries.
> Demonstrated achieved benefits outweigh investment costs by far
> Low implementation risks
> Low risk of organizational resistance
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Barcelona City Council