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Hamburg Sustainable Public Procurement Standards

Hamburg, Germany Address: Hamburg City Hall, Rathausmarkt 1, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

Thematic area

Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, Vendor and Product Properties

Policy scope

Local

Target audience

Citizens/Consumers, Businesses, Public Sector

Status

Ongoing

Aim and method

The policy applies to food procurement for all public institutions in Hamburg, including schools, hospitals, and daycare centers. It prioritizes sustainable, regional, and organic products. The aim is to embed sustainability principles in public food procurement, contributing to environmental protection and fair trade. Key methods include: - Requiring public institutions to source food from certified organic and regional suppliers. - Encouraging the reduction of meat consumption in public canteens. - Promoting fair trade and ethical labor practices among food suppliers.

Background

Introduced as part of Hamburg’s Green City Plan, the policy reflects the city’s commitment to sustainable development. It aligns with Hamburg’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote fair labor practices.

Monitoring and ownership

The City of Hamburg’s Department of Environment and Energy monitors compliance, with annual evaluations of procurement contracts and supplier practices.

Implementation and Results

- Sustainability Impact: A significant portion of food procured for public institutions is now organic and locally sourced. - Meat Reduction: Public canteens have introduced vegetarian options and reduced overall meat offerings. - Public Awareness: The policy has raised awareness about the benefits of sustainable food consumption. Key challenges include ensuring supplier compliance and managing costs associated with organic sourcing. The program has been successful in reducing the environmental footprint of Hamburg’s public food system.

Contact information

https://www.hamburg.de/