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Scottish Government launches SPD standardised statements updates on Environmental Management Criteria

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The Scottish Government has launched new Single Procurement Document (SPD) standardised statements to help organisations address climate impact in its contracting.

The standardised statements are for question 4C7 in the SPD. The question asks bidders contracts to provide necessary environmental management information. The standardised statements allow public bodies to ask suppliers for Scottish contracts for information about its capabilities to meet Scotland's climate change targets in the form of a climate change plan.

The government has developed a staged approach that asks for strong climate commitments from high climate impact procurements and lighter touch requirements for low-value/risk contracts. It is hoped this approach will encourage all bidders, no matter of size, to address climate change. It also ensures a Just Transition by keeping requirements accessible and proportionate for SME bidders.

There is a blog available on the Scottish Procurement website which describes the changes.

Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise Ivan McKee said:

"We want to help buyers and suppliers alike, not just to reduce their environmental impact now, but also to build real climate resilience in the future.

"The guidance on how to use environmental management criteria is a welcome resource for all. The staged approach we have taken will address our larger high climate impact contracts first, while giving smaller businesses time to prepare so we can move towards Net Zero together."

The SPD update comes as a result of the Scottish Government's Climate and Procurement Forum. The forum was established to provide leadership and direction to best utilise the £13.3 billion public sector spend to help address the Climate Emergency. The Government carried out supplier and market engagement to develop and test the new standardised statements on environmental management to help public bodies meet this responsibility.

The new standardised statements can be found in the Procurement Journey. Guidance for buyers is also available on the new Climate Emergency page on the Procurement Journey.

The climate change literacy eLearning can be found on the Sustainable Procurement Tools platform and can be used by both buyers and suppliers to boost your climate capability.

Support from the Supplier Development Programme

Scottish SMEs, supported businesses and third sector organisations can access free tender training to help you get tender ready for any opportunity. Suppliers should register for SDP's Passing the Selection Stage - The Single Procurement Document webinar on 19 May. At this webinar, you will be given examples of the standard questions asked in the SPD by one of SDP’s expert trainers, who have vast experience in completing the Single Procurement Document and will take you step-by-step through the process, including the new changes.

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