Protecting the environment is one of the most important tasks of our time. The state can make a considerable contribution to the saving of resources and the avoidance of harmful emissions through its purchasing behaviour. Thus, as a contracting authority, the state must determine the necessary requirements for all products that it purchases. This presents the challenge of being familiar with the relevant features and certifications.

The following guidelines should help public purchasers to formulate needs-based environmental aspects for invitations to tender. Based on typical application scenarios in government offices environmental criteria are recommended with which an equally fair and free competition on the side of the suppliers can take place. These guidelines are also suitable for market analysis or for preparing service descriptions. They were compiled in collaboration with public purchasers and are often used in public-sector invitations to tender.