The Green Public Procurement action plan that was launched for public consultation a few weeks ago shows the government’s own commitment to show the way in terms of protecting the environment and making a better use of resources.

The plan is aimed at promoting environmental awareness in the light of the country’s obligations and aspirations for sustainable development. It sets out the objectives as well as the action that needs to be taken and implemented over the coming three years.

The GPP, as it is known, can generate environmental benefits such as the reduced use of natural resources and a reduction in pollution.

In launching the plan, which is up for discussion until 15 November, the government has made it clear that it wants to lead by example. It wants to be the first to practise what it is preaching by taking initiatives that would serve to, first of all, adopt measures that are environment-friendly and, secondly, tell others that this is how things should be done and encouraging them to follow suit.

Considering that the government, as a whole and including the entities that it runs, is the largest “company” in the country, setting this example should push other smaller enterprises to do the same.

The GPP action plan is based on an understanding of the prevailing situation in Malta and takes into account initiatives that were implemented in other European Union countries. By picking the good things that were carried out elsewhere, the government intends to use these countries’ experience in such matters to avoid making the mistakes they did while at the same time, building on what has been achieved. As such, the government does have a head-start as it will use what has taken place in other countries to the benefit of its initiatives here.

In the EU, government entities buy S1,500 million every year in products and services, which amounts to 16 per cent of the EU’s annual GDP. Malta, for its part, purchases some Lm50 million and, although this might be considered a small amount when compared to other European countries, this however does have an effect.

Every little bit counts, and in this respect, by “thinking green” the government is encouraging the rest of the country to do likewise for everyone’s benefit.

Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino described the idea as a challenge but also an opportunity. And he could not have phrased the concept better because Malta has the chance to rise to the occasion by giving its own contribution to the environment – both in worldwide terms but more specifically within the local scenario.

Once the plan is put into place, government entities will be required to look deeper before taking decisions on the purchasing of goods and services. Apart from the price, which until now was the major factor that was taken into consideration, government entities will have to look at the element of consumption, which of course has a direct bearing on the environment.

The government has already taken other initiatives in this regard, the appointment of green leaders in government departments being just one of them. This has meant that ministries are taking measures to make use of environment-friendly products and services.

Now we are going one step ahead. Things will not change overnight, as there has to be a gradual change to the more environment-friendly system, particularly considering that such products and services cost more because, so far, they are less in demand. But, as Minister Pullicino pointed out, an increase in demand leads to a reduction of costs, and he gave recycled paper as an example of a product that is becoming cheaper because demand for it has increased.