Green digital tech procurement catalyst

The Challenge

Every year, governments across Europe spend trillions on public contracts, equal to 14% of the EU’s economy. Yet in many cases, public tenders go to the lowest bidder, not the best solution. including via more modern, digital services or products. In eight EU countries, over 80% of public contracts still go to the cheapest option, even when it leads to lower quality, more pollution, or systems that break down faster. This short-sighted approach blocks innovation, weakens sustainability goals, and wastes the full potential of public budgets. Europe needs a strong public incentives to reward public projects that advance our climate and digital targets.

Goals

• Provide EU-backed bonus for public tenders that prioritise long-term value, digitalisation and sustainability, not just the cheapest price. Launch cross-border projects connecting public buyers with clean tech providers in priority areas like buildings, energy, mobility, water management.
• Launch cross-border projects connecting public buyers with clean tech providers in priority areas like buildings, energy, mobility, water management.  

KPIs by 2030 

• Increased share of public tenders with strong sustainability weighting. 

• Number of cross-border pilots using green digital tech through public procurement. 

ROIs by 2030 

• Lower lifecycle costs for utilities and public buildings with smart energy tech.
• Return for every €1 of public investment in green digital procurement, based on lifecycle savings and avoided emissions.