Integration of environmental considerations into public procurement regulation and practice
ENThe paper deals with the complex issue of implementation of green public procurement, revealing how this concept integrates environmental considerations into public procurement law and practice. The aim is to demonstrate that currently prevailing tendency in Lithuania of embracing green public procurement is a relatively moderate step towards protecting the environment as the approach is narrow and has limited possibilities to fully contribute to implementation of environmental objectives. Existing tendencies and developments in public procurement regulation and practice are disclosed that allow to suggest the prevalence of the concept of green public procurement. Major problems that affect implementation of green public procurement are compliance with core environmental criteria and a specific perception of “greenness”. A restrictive approach, in turn, limits possibilities to fulfil the purposes of green public procurement. A reconsidered approach is suggested, calling for a greater flexibility and a wider scope that would allow for a greater integration of environmental considerations and a more meaningful contribution to sustainable development.
