An analysis of green public procurement across Maltese government ministries

Abstract

Purpose: This dissertation analyses how Green Public Procurement (GPP) helps the Maltese Government achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve this aim, the perceptions of the Government Ministries, being Contracting Authorities, on GPP was explored. Furthermore, the implementation of green criteria in tenders was examined, along with the financial implications of GPP. Design: To reach the objectives of this study, a qualitative approach was adopted. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted: one with the director of the GPP Office, one with a director from the Department of Contracts, another with two auditors from the National Audit Office and six with GPP coordinators from different Ministries, respectively. Findings: Various measures are being taken by the Maltese Government to push for sustainability, one of which is GPP. The study shows that GPP coordinators have a positive perception of GPP and its benefits. However, GPP coordinators are finding the second GPP National Action Plan harder to understand, especially when implementing its green criteria. The findings also reveal that there is no conventional method of estimating the procurement value since this is mostly done through market research. The cheapest award criterion is the most preferred method to award tenders, even though it was found that Best-Price Quality Ratio and Life Cycle Costing award criteria lead to the best value for money. Additionally, the findings indicate that the main perception is that greener products cost more than normal ones. Finally, the findings show that GPP is one of the Government’s main tools used for attaining its SDGs. Conclusion: The study concludes that GPP criteria need to be simplified, while the frequency of training on GPP should be increased. Even the number of postprocurement audits could be increased. More awareness of GPP will not only help the Government achieve its SDGs but also lead to more environmentally conscious private purchasing. Value: This dissertation highlights the importance of GPP along with the measures being taken to increase its uptake in Malta whilst also attaining SDGs.