In July 2025, the Government published Circular 17/2025: Updated Green Public Procurement Instructions, replacing Circular 20/2019. The move strengthens Ireland’s commitment to embedding sustainability in public sector spending, aligning with the Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2027 and the forthcoming National Public Procurement Strategy.
What’s New?
Circular 17/2025 introduces a more structured and mandatory approach to Green Public Procurement (GPP). The key updates include:
- Market engagement & innovation: Public bodies are urged to engage early with suppliers and to use procurement as a lever for innovation in sustainable solutions.
- Mandatory reporting: Public bodies must explain whenever national GPP criteria are not applied in contracts above national thresholds. This is now a “comply or explain” requirement.
- Annual accountability: Departments must report to the EPA on GPP implementation and on awards to social enterprises and community organisations where green criteria are included.
- Life-cycle costing: Procurers are encouraged to look beyond lowest upfront price and consider the total costs of ownership, including use, maintenance, and disposal.
- Support for SMEs: The circular includes an SME Test, requiring public buyers to consider impacts on smaller suppliers when applying green requirements.
- Use of central contracts: Frameworks and centralised contracts from the OGP should be the default route where possible, as many already include green criteria.
Why It Matters
Public procurement in Ireland represents 14% of GDP, giving government purchasing decisions huge potential to influence markets. By setting higher expectations for environmental and social responsibility, Circular 17/2025:
- Ensures accountability, with clear reporting lines through SEAI and the EPA.
- Drives demand for greener products and services.
- Encourages innovation across supply chains.
- Embeds climate and circular economy goals into routine procurement.
What Public Bodies Need to Do Now
The circular took effect immediately in July 2025. Public bodies should:
- Engage suppliers early, especially SMEs, to prepare the market for new requirements.
- Review procurement policies to ensure GPP criteria are integrated.
- Plan for reporting obligations, particularly the need to explain omissions of GPP criteria.
- Train staff on life-cycle costing and the use of EPA/OGP GPP tools.
Looking Ahead
Circular 17/2025 positions Ireland as a leader in sustainable procurement. By mainstreaming GPP across the public sector, it ensures that government spending delivers not only value for money but also measurable environmental and social benefits.
Sources:
Government approve new Circular regarding Green Public Procurement obligations https://www.gov.ie/ga/an-roinn-caiteachais-phoibl%C3%AD-bonneagair-athch%C3%B3iri%C3%BAch%C3%A1in-seirbh%C3%ADse-poibl%C3%AD-agus-digiti%C3%BAch%C3%A1in/preaseisiuinti/government-approve-new-circular-regarding-green-public-procurement-obligations
New circular to support Green Public Procurement (GPP) https://www.gov.ie/en/office-of-government-procurement/publications/new-circular-to-support-green-public-procurement-gpp
