Summary
Details
- Norway
This framework is legally binding.
Obligations apply to:
Contracting authorities across the public sector running procurements covered by the procurement regulations.
Exceptional cases where environmental impact is deemed negligible may allow not setting requirements, but this must be explicitly documented/justified.
Authorities may choose specification-based requirements instead of 30% weighting when it clearly provides better climate/environmental outcomes.
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What’s Required
Norway has strengthened mandatory green public procurement requirements through amendments to procurement regulations. As a main rule, contracting authorities must include climate/environment ambition either by minimum weighting in award criteria or by requirements in specifications if that yields a better effect.
Key requirements include:
Main rule: climate and environmental considerations must generally be weighted at a minimum of 30% in procurement evaluations (as described in public guidance and practice materials for the regulatory change).
Alternative route: instead of weighting, authorities may set climate/environment requirements in the specification if it is clear that this gives a better climate/environmental effect.
Exception handling: if environmental impact is negligible and requirements are not set, the rationale must be justified in the procurement documents (government description of the rule’s intent and application).
Important Deadlines
In force from 1 January 2024, key green procurement rule amendments took effect.
Per tender: justification and documentation must exist at procurement time if relying on exceptions or choosing specification-based requirements over weighting.
Current Status
Fully in force and actively shaping tender design across sectors (notably construction, transport, and public services). Norway also references this instrument in international climate transparency reporting.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance typically appears as procurement challenges and remedies (complaints, annulment risk, corrective measures), plus reputational and audit risk for contracting authorities.
Examples of Known Violations
Common breach patterns include awarding contracts without meeting the minimum climate/environment approach (or failing to document why exceptions apply), which can trigger complaints and corrective scrutiny.
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