To this end, the Council of Ministers adopted an action plan on Wednesday. Among other things, the food in public institutions should become more biological and regional. The fleet will be converted to zero emissions by 2027. Public clients will be obliged to use 100 percent certified green electricity by 2030.
Infrastructure Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) emphasized in the press foyer after the government meeting that the public sector must not only shape the path to climate neutrality but also act courageously: “The standards that we set ourselves as a society are the first to apply to ourselves.”
Economics Minister Margarete Schramböck explained that there is a big chunk to be lifted in public procurement with a figure: the public sector purchases around 46 billion euros per year. A particular concern of the head of department is that in the future micro, small and medium-sized enterprises get a better deal here. A corresponding “call” for health and care solutions will take place here soon.
Köstinger emphasized that when it came to food, it had been possible to get the countries on board. In their areas such as state hospitals, kindergartens and compulsory schools, they will understand the rules that the federal government gives itself. From 2023 a quarter of the food used will have to be “organic”. In 2025 this proportion will increase to 30 percent, and then to 55 percent in 2030. In federal canteens there should also be a mandatory designation of origin for processed foods: “We want to show that it works,” said Köstinger, who also promised a focus on regional products.
As far as the public fleet is concerned, the newly purchased wagons will in principle be emission-free as early as 2022. However, there are still exceptions, which should also be phased out by 2027. Only where there is no other way – i.e. for emergency vehicles from the police and fire brigade, for example, the exemption will also apply beyond this, as Gewessler explained.
Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) emphasized that it had been made as easy as possible for the responsible authorities in terms of public procurement law. 16 procurement groups were formed with specific ecological requirements that could be applied 1: 1 to the tenders. This also guarantees legal certainty under European law.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
