Over the next few years, the Utrecht University Centre for Public Procurement (UUCePP) will conduct research into the CO2 Performance Ladder as a procurement instrument, and more broadly into the application of certificates in procurement. Effects, possibilities and impossibilities will be investigated from both economic and legal perspectives.

The CO2 Performance Ladder is a CO2 management system consisting of different levels, with the higher levels going beyond the company and covering emissions in the wider business chain and sector. According to their position on the ladder, certified companies receive an award advantage in the tendering process, in the form of a discount on their tender price. The contracting authority or client determines the amount of the advantage.

UUCePP's study is part of a major project coordinated by the Foundation for Climate-Friendly Procurement & Business (SKAO). SKAO, together with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and ICLEI Europe, will support European countries in implementing the CO2 Performance Ladder in Europe, with the aim of accelerating CO2 reduction by promoting sustainable procurement.

• Ruben Nicolas
• Jihwan Ryu
• dr. Vitezslav Titl
• prof. dr. ir. Fredo Schotanus