Ireland sets binding rules to make green procurement the new standard

Aligned with the Buying Greener: Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2027, the circular introduces 11 key actions under five themes—from procurement planning to training, innovation, and reporting. Public bodies must now integrate environmental, social, and life cycle considerations into every stage of procurement, reinforcing the government’s climate and circular economy objectives.

Among the most notable measures are enhanced reporting duties and accountability mechanisms. Departments must justify when green criteria are not applied to major tenders and submit detailed annual reports to the Environmental Protection Agency. This new framework ensures transparency while tracking progress across the public sector.

The circular also highlights innovation procurement and early market engagement as levers to stimulate greener, more resilient supply chains, while assessing the impact of GPP practices on SMEs and social enterprises.

Circular 17/2025 signals a profound shift: sustainable procurement is no longer optional—it is the new baseline for responsible governance.

Explore the circular’s implications for procurement strategy and compliance readiness.