Renewables Committee
Green Public Procurement Guidelines
for Resolution No. (19) of 2024
Regarding Adoption of Green Procurement by Government Departments and Government-Owned Companies in Ras Al Khaimah
Version 2.0 – December 31, 2024
DIVISION ONE
101 Abbreviations
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102 Glossary of Terms
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DIVISION TWO Objectives
201 Concept and Context of GPP
Green Public Procurement (GPP) is a process whereby government entities seek to procure products, services or contracting works with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle when compared to other products, services and works with the same primary function.
GPP in Ras Al Khaimah originated in 2020 as part of the EE&R Strategy, aiming at supporting the competitiveness of Ras Al Khaimah’s economy over the long run, by reducing energy and water consumption and increasing the share of renewables. The primary scope of the initial GPP implementation was Scope 1 and 2 of the GHG Emissions Protocol.
The expansion of the EE&R Strategy into RISS offered an opportunity to expand the scope of GPP, by addressing a broader range of environmental aspects, and by extending intervention to Scope 3 of the GHG Emissions Protocol. The extension to Scope 3 supports the capacity building objectives of RISS, i.e. the creation of a new market for sustainable products and services, which would contribute to the economic growth of the Emirate as well as the development of new local skills and capabilities.
Adoption of GPP is mandated by the Resolution, requiring Government Entities to set targets for implementation of GPP within their organization and report on progress to the GPP Administrators.
This document, the GPP Guidelines, has the objective to guide Government Entities in implementing the requirements of the Resolution. The GPP Guidelines are issued in two languages, Arabic and English. In case of any inconsistencies between the Arabic and the English versions, the Arabic one shall prevail.
202 Purpose
The objectives of the Resolution are the following:
Since GPP achieves these objectives by considering the life cycle cost (LCC) of the purchased products, services or works, its implementation is expected to provide economic benefits in the long run. This LCC approach means looking beyond the mere purchase price, to also include other significant cost items over the entire lifespan of a product or service, such as utility costs, maintenance costs, and disposal costs. When LCC is considered, it is more likely that resource inefficiencies are minimized or eliminated. Often this also leads to better environmental performance, due to reduced energy or water consumption, reduced waste of materials, longer useful life, etc.
GPP also achieves these objectives by promoting virtuous supplier behaviors towards reduction of environmental impact in their internal processes and their supply chain, and towards investments in local supply capacity. This would also result in a local supply business eco-system, better prepared for a likely future scenario where lower emissions and shorter supply chains become sources of competitive advantage.
The scope of the GPP Guidelines matches the definitions of the GHG Emissions Protocol, as follows:
The GPP Guidelines address Scope 1 and 2 of the GHG Emissions Protocol, by reducing the direct and indirect emissions from the use of the products, services and works purchased by Government Entities (a significant part of these emissions are related to energy and water consumed), and by procuring a higher share of energy from renewable energy sources.
The GPP Guidelines address Scope 3 of the GHG Emissions Protocol, by reducing emissions and other environmental impacts occurring in product, service or contracting works value chains, both up-stream and down-stream.
Figure 1 maps the scope of the GPP Guidelines with the definitions of the GHG Emissions Protocol.
Source: GHG Protocol’s Technical Guidance for Calculating Scope 3 Emissions, page 6. Chart integrated with information from the GPP Guidelines
Figure 1. Overview of the Scope of the GPP Guidelines vs. the Definitions of the GHG Emissions Protocol
DIVISION THREE Legal and Policy Context
301 International Agreements
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In 2015, all United Nations (UN) member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an aspirational plan which aims to provide peace and prosperity for people and the planet. The goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development balance the three (3) dimensions of sustainability, i.e. the economic, the social and the environmental dimension, and are formulated around the so called ‘five Ps’:
People: Eradicate poverty and hunger in all forms and combat inequalities
Planet: Protect the planet from degradation so it can support the needs of current and future generations
Prosperity: Ensure prosperous and fulfilling lives in harmony with nature
Peace: Foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies
Partnership: Implement the agenda through global partnerships
The ‘five Ps’ are addressed by 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 sub-targets. As a member of the UN, the UAE is committed to the SDGs and formed a National Committee on SDGs in 2017, which is responsible for the national implementation of the SDGs, including monitoring and progress reporting.
Figure 2. Overview of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The SDG 12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’ explicitly calls for public procurement practices that are sustainable and in line with national environmental policies (sub-target 12.7). The number of countries implementing sustainable procurement practices is used as an indicator to measure progress toward this sub-target. GPP can also lead to a more efficient use of materials (sub-target 12.2), an environmentally sound management of chemicals (sub-target 12.4) and helps to reduce waste generation (sub-target 12.5).
Besides SDG 12, GPP indirectly contributes to various other SDGs. For example, mandating a high energy and water efficiency for purchased goods and assets supports SDG 6 ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’ and SDG 7 ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’, particularly the sub-targets 6.4 ‘Increase the Water Efficiency’ and 7.3 ‘Increase the Energy Efficiency’. GPP can also promote a sustainable use of ecosystems, which supports SDG 14 ‘Life Below Water’ and 15 ‘Life on Land’, by, for example, requiring timber products to come from sustainable forestry (sub-target 15.2). Moreover, GPP incentivizes the market to adopt clean and environmentally sound production methods (sub-target 9.4), thus contributing to SDG 9 ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure’.
302 Federal and Emirate Level Strategies
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) for the UAE
The UAE's NDC strengthens the country’s commitment to addressing climate change, with updated targets and strategies aligned with the Paris Agreement. Key highlights include a net-zero emissions target by 2050, a focus on energy transition, efforts in climate adaptation and resilience, a commitment to international cooperation, and transparency in monitoring and reporting.
GPP supports these climate goals by reducing emissions (as a result of prioritizing low-carbon, energy-efficient products and services), boosting the green economy (as a result of stimulating green jobs and industry), and supporting broader sustainability objectives.
The United Arab Emirates’ First Long-Term Strategy (LTS)
LTS is a comprehensive plan aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, transitioning to renewable energy, promoting a green economy, and enhancing climate resilience. It includes a broad set of measures across industries to support the country’s sustainable development while diversifying its economy and reducing its carbon footprint. GPP has a relevant role within the strategy, and Ras Al Khaimah is indicated as one of the territories leading in this type of initiatives.
UAE Green Agenda 2030
Building upon the UAE Vision 2021, the UAE developed the Green Agenda 2030. This new initiative was approved in 2015 and includes five (5) strategic objectives with twelve (12) main programs with various sub-programs aimed to transform the country towards a green economy. The strategic objectives and main program are illustrated in the table below.
Strategic Objective | Main Programs |
| 1.1 National Green Innovation Program |
1.2 Green Diversification Program | |
| 2.1 Integrated Green Infrastructure Program |
2.2 Green Workforce & Talent Program | |
| 3.1 Natural Capital & Resilience Program |
3.2 Environmental Goods & Services Program | |
| 4.1 Integrated Power & Water Management Program |
4.2 National Renewable Energy Program | |
4.3 National Green Economy Data Program | |
| 5.1 National Energy & Water Efficiency Program |
5.2 National Waste-to-Resource Program | |
5.3 National Sustainable Transport Program |
Table 1: Objectives and Main Programs of the UAE Green Agenda 2030
GPP falls under the third objective and is one initiative of program 3.2 Environmental Goods and Services, which aims to enhance the market penetration of environment-friendly goods and services.
National Climate Change Plan 2017 – 2050
The UAE’s National Climate Change Plan was launched in 2017 and is part of the country’s commitment towards the SDGs, particularly SDG 13 ‘Climate Action’, and also contributes towards the Green Agenda 2030. The climate change plan has the following three objectives:
Manage GHG emissions in harmony with economic growth
Minimize climate risks and increase the UAE’s climate resilience
Reduce the UAE’s dependence on fossil fuels
The plan highlights the importance of the private sector, which plays a critical role in the country’s economic diversification by providing environmentally friendly goods and services. To fulfil this role, the government must enable the private sector through a supportive regulatory framework as well as through incentives. As an immediate action, federal and emirate-level governments are encouraged to develop policies for climate-smart industries and services. In this context, the plan specifically refers to the strengthening of GPP legislations.
Green Public Procurement Pledge of the UAE (GPP Pledge)
Through the GPP Pledge to the IDDI initiative of UNIDO, the UAE agreed, inter alia, to adopt time-bound commitments to procuring low-emission steel, cement, concrete, to achieving net zero emissions in public buildings and built infrastructure, to pursuing the development and use of harmonised emissions accounting standards, and to supporting innovation and deployment of breakthrough technologies by stimulating demand and commercialization of near-zero-emission materials. The GPP Guidelines support the UAE's pledge.
Ras Al Khaimah Vision 2030
Ras Al Khaimah Vision 2030 is a long term strategy of Ras Al Khaimah which is based on the principle of sustainable growth and is designed around three pillars: ‘economy’, ‘society’ and ‘environment’. The strategy envisages to promote diversified economic growth and higher prosperity while improving the happiness and cohesiveness of the community and preserving the environment. GPP is part of RAK Integrated Sustainability Strategy (RISS), which is a key component of the environment pillar of Vision 2030.
Ras Al Khaimah Integrated Sustainability Strategy (RISS)
RISS is a 2050 strategy of Ras Al Khaimah with three main objectives:
Utility security and competitiveness: Secure cost-effective supply of energy and water, supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s development
Preserve and develop Ras Al Khaimah’s habitats, biodiversity and natural resources
Reduce net GHG emissions and adapt to a low-carbon global economy
RISS originated as an extension of the EE&R Strategy. GPP, which was one of the programs of the EE&R Strategy, became an initiative of RISS, within the Sustainable Buildings and Communities program.
Figure 3. RISS Framework (GPP is within the Sustainable Buildings & Communities Program)
Barjeel, the Green Building Regulations of Ras Al Khaimah
The Executive Council of Ras Al Khaimah issued Resolution No. 6 of 2018 to adopt Barjeel, the green building regulations of Ras Al Khaimah. Barjeel sets minimum sustainability standards for new constructions, and buildings permitted under Barjeel are expected to consume 30% less water and energy. The regulations became mandatory on 31 January 2020 and all new buildings, including government buildings, are required to comply with Barjeel.
The GPP Guidelines encourage compliance with Barjeel for the replacement of lights and of water fixtures and fittings in existing buildings.
Energy Management
Amiri Resolution No. 18 of 2024 mandates that Government Entities occupying their own premises and primarily engaged in office-based activities reduce electricity consumption by at least 30%, water consumption by at least 20%, and transportation fuel consumption by at least 20% by 2030, using 2017 as the baseline. It also requires all other Government Entities to establish individual targets for reducing energy, water, and transportation fuel consumptions within their operations and facilities, aiming for a similar level of effectiveness. These reductions in consumptions can be the result of building retrofits and/or through implementation of energy management systems such as ISO 50001. ISO 50001 requires establishing and implementing procurement criteria for evaluating the energy performance of products, services and contracting works, which impact the organization’s overall energy performance. ISO 50001 also mandates companies to inform their suppliers of these procurement criteria, and to define and communicate particular specifications where applicable.
The GPP Guidelines support Government Entities in their efforts to lower their energy and water consumption by ensuring that purchased products are energy and water efficient. In addition, the GPP Guidelines are compliant with ISO 50001 procurement requirements.
Efficient Vehicles
Amiri Resolution No. 34 of 2018 mandates at least 30% of light vehicles purchased by local government departments to be efficient and at least 10% to be either hybrid or electric. Any vehicle with a GSO rating of ‘Good’ or above is considered efficient.
The GPP Guidelines set criteria for the purchase and rental of light vehicles, which meet or exceed the requirements of the Amiri Resolution No. 34 of 2018.
Recycled Materials
Ministerial Decision No. 21 by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) encourages Government Entities to use recycled materials for public road works and infrastructure projects. The percentage of recycled material, however, should not exceed 40%.
The GPP Guidelines encourage the use of recycled materials in construction works and further enhance awareness on this topic.
Prohibition of Single-Use Plastics
Law No.4 of 2023 prohibits bringing, possessing, trading, selling or using single-use plastic materials in the emirate. This prohibition is being implemented in a phased manner, to allow residents and businesses in the Emirate to adapt to the change.
The GPP Guidelines promote the reduction of single-use plastics in Ras Al Khaimah.
Development of Local Supply Capacity
UAE Cabinet Resolution No.4 of 2019 allows up to 10% price advantage given in procurement of the UAE federal government for green goods and services which are produced in the country.
The GPP Guidelines promote the development of local supply capacity through requirements of minimum local sourcing in GPP Criteria for products, services and contracting works, and through a point system rewarding suppliers who can prove sustainability in their operations and supply chains.
DIVISION FOUR
Implementation Framework
401 GPP in the Procurement Process
The main steps of the procurement process are highlighted in Figure 5. The subsequent sections detail how GPP can be taken into account in each of those steps.
Figure 4. Typical Procurement Process
Procurement Planning
The first step in the procurement process is to analyse the procurement needs, identify the desired procurement outcomes and objectives and plan the procurement budget. GPP should already be considered in these early stages of procurement, and the procurement of environmentally friendly products can be set as a key objective. Also, the procurement of products and services from environmentally friendly companies can be considered at this stage. Government Entities can also entirely ‘re-think’ their procurement need and identify new ways which meet their demand but require less or different purchases. By procuring less or differently, fewer materials and resources are depleted, with economic and environmental benefits for the Government Entity. Examples of such GPP Initiatives are provided in Chapter 501.
To ensure that GPP is being considered in procurement planning, Government Entities shall develop annual targets for the implementation of GPP, as mandated by the Resolution. This target definition process is further detailed in Chapter 402.
Requirement Definition
In the next step of the procurement process, technical specifications, terms of reference for services, or statement of works for contracting works (all of which are hereinafter referred to as ‘specifications’) are developed which are part of the solicitation documents and form the core of the future contract. These specifications need to include clear and appropriate definitions and descriptions of the procurement need, while avoiding any bias towards specific suppliers. GPP entails integration of environmental aspects into the specifications. The selection of the most important environmental aspects to be considered is a result of LCC consideration. As the effort to conduct LCC analysis is typically only justified for high-value items or projects, the GPP Guidelines simplify such evaluation for buyers by defining GPP Criteria for common categories of spend, which are designed considering LCC.
GPP Criteria are designed for commonly purchased categories of products, services and contracting works, which can be included in tenders as specifications. The GPP Criteria are provided in Annex A and Annex B. The decision to adopt the GPP Criteria in individual purchases is left to the discretion of the concerned Government Entity. However, adoption of the GPP Criteria on a cumulative basis will concur to determining the overall progress of the entities towards their annual green procurement targets.
Solicitation Process
At the sourcing stage, suitable suppliers need to be identified. Another task is to select the appropriate procurement strategy, e.g. to choose the type of competition and to select the solicitation and evaluation method. Once the procurement strategy is selected, the solicitation documents are prepared accordingly and issued.
The Resolution, as well as these GPP Guidelines do not impose or recommend any changes to the current solicitation process and Government Entities can continue to follow the standard procurement procedures.
Evaluation
After the solicitation process, the received offers are handled as per the instructions provided in the solicitation documents and as per the Government Entity’s rules and procedures pertaining to the opening and evaluation of offers. Through this process, Government Entities evaluate suppliers’ offers technically and commercially and select the best offer based on predefined evaluation criteria.
The Resolution does not impose any changes in the evaluation process or method. In case GPP Criteria were included in the specifications, bids should be evaluated for compliance with such criteria and non-compliant bids must be excluded. For other purchases that are not supported by GPP Criteria, application of GPP requires the financial evaluation to include not only purchase price but broader elements of LCC.
In addition to the above, and for adoption on a voluntary basis, these GPP Guidelines recommend, in tender evaluation, the consideration of extra points to be given to those suppliers adopting and implementing green practices as provided in Annex C. The proposed method is subject to a pilot phase of 1 year from the date of issuance of these GPP Guidelines.
Tender Award
During this stage, the tenders with the highest total score will be awarded. Once the tender is awarded, and the purchase is confirmed to the selected supplier, unsuccessful suppliers are generally notified and debriefed. This is an opportunity to highlight any deficiencies related to the environmental criteria, enabling unsuccessful suppliers to respond better to future solicitations. For the selected supplier, any environmental results should be measured against the outcome that was initially desired. Any lessons learnt should feed back into procurement planning.
The Resolution and these GPP Guidelines do not impose or recommend any changes to the current tender award process and Government Entities can continue to follow the standard procurement procedures. In case GPP Criteria for products, services or contracting works were included in the specifications, these should be inserted into the contract or purchase order to serve as proof of obligation of the supplier. Upon delivery, Government Entities should also monitor whether the GPP Criteria are being fulfilled, and should incorporate any lessons learnt in their procurement planning process.
402 Governance of the GPP
As the opportunity to apply GPP is different for each Government Entity based on the type of products and services they buy, their strategic priorities, their business requirements and financial constraints, governance of GPP is designed to promote participation of all Government Entities, while allowing each of them to define breadth and depth of participation.
GPP implementation is overseen by the EE&R Committee. The following roles and responsibilities are defined to support the GPP process:
EE&R Committee: | The EE&R Committee reviews and endorses any amendments in the GPP Guidelines, reviews the progress of implementing GPP and nominates the GPP Category Leaders and Initiative Leaders. The Chairman of the EE&R Committee issues any updates of the GPP Guidelines. |
GPP Administrator: | The GPP Administrator promotes GPP implementation across a set of Government Entities, supervises the targeting and reporting process, and pursues continuous improvement of GPP practices, including any proposals for update of the GPP Guidelines. |
GPP Category Leaders: | The GPP Category Leaders are responsible for developing and periodically updating the GPP Criteria of their assigned categories products, services and contracting works, subject to the endorsement of the EE&R Committee. |
GPP Initiative Leaders: | The GPP Initiative Leaders are responsible for developing their assigned GPP Initiatives, subject to the endorsement of the EE&R Committee, and coordinating their implementation. |
Green Procurement Champions (GPCs): | The GPCs hold the mandate to promote and coordinate adoption of the GPP Guidelines by his or her respective Government Entity. This role includes, inter alia, driving the GPP targeting and reporting process, raising GPP awareness, and training purchasing professionals within the Government Entity. |
Reem: | The Energy Efficiency and Renewables Sector of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality (Reem), as part of the Resolution, shall provide all the needed support to ensure successful implementation of GPP within the government. This includes, inter alia, training on GPP, advisory to Government Entities in the targeting and reporting process, consolidation of reporting to the EE&R Committee, proposals for and development of any updates to the guidelines, provision of platforms for sharing of data and best practices, coordination of improvement projects that have cross-entity relevance, and market awareness. |
Government Entities: | Government Entities are required to define their own targets of adoption of GPP and report on progress of implementation yearly to the GPP Administrator. Commitment to GPP should be supported by an internal GPP policy. Government Entities are encouraged to propose any improvements in common tools and frameworks related to GPP, including any updates of the GPP Guidelines. |
These roles are the key agents in the GPP process as explained below.
Target Definition
Each Government Entity shall develop annual targets for the implementation of the GPP Guidelines and communicate those targets to the GPP Administrator before the beginning of each year. This process should be embedded into the Government Entity’s overall planning process. Targets may include:
GPP Initiatives
Progress of GPP Initiatives: Government Entities may specify targets related to the adoption of GPP Initiatives within their organization. Examples of such initiatives are provided in Chapter 501.
Penetration of GPP
Overall penetration of GPP: Government Entities may specify a share of the overall procurement, either by value or by number of contracts, to comply with the GPP Guidelines, e.g. at least half of all purchases shall adhere to the Core Criteria for products, services and contracting works set out in the GPP Guidelines.
Penetration of GPP in specific types of products or services and contracting works: Government Entities may specify targets for specific product or service and contracting work categories, e.g. all purchased paper shall comply with the criteria outlined in the GPP Guidelines.
Penetration of the point system: Government Entities may specify a minimum share of procurement where the point system will be applied, e.g., the point system should be applied to at least 10% of tender evaluations above 500,000 AED.
The GPP Administrator may provide guidance for the definition of targets to ensure that they remain in line with expectations for the government of Ras Al Khaimah overall.
GPP Policy
Each Government Entity should issue an internal GPP policy within their organization to facilitate the adoption of GPP Guidelines in the Government.
Progress Reporting
Government Entities shall report their progress in the implementation of the GPP Guidelines to the GPP Administrator on a yearly basis. The progress report should compare the level of achievement with targets and outline mitigation measures if necessary. Templates for the target definition and progress reporting are provided in Annex F. Upon review of the GPP Administrator, reports should be shared with Reem, who consolidates the reporting to the EE&R Committee.
Development and Update of the GPP Criteria
For Products, Services and Contracting Works: The GPP Administrator, in consultation with Reem, periodically reviews the GPP Criteria and may propose to the EE&R Committee the development of criteria for new categories or the update of existing ones. This review should be conducted at least every three years. The EE&R Committee appoints selected Government Entities as GPP Category Leaders responsible for developing and periodically updating the criteria for their assigned categories.
The GPP Category Leaders, in consultation with Reem, should develop or update the GPP Criteria taking into account their financial impact, product or service availability, and impact on the local market. The proposed criteria should be submitted to the EE&R Committee for endorsement, prior to review and issuance by the Chairman of the EE&R Committee. The list of GPP Category Leaders is provided in Annex E.
For Tender Evaluation: The GPP Administrator, in consultation with Reem, reviews the results of the point system pilot and evaluates the need of any updates, as well as readiness for a full-scale roll-out, to be endorsed by the EE&R Committee.
Development of GPP Initiatives
The GPP Administrator, in consultation with Reem, may propose the development or update of GPP Initiatives that are of cross-entity relevance. As a result,, the EE&R Committee may appoint selected Government Entities as GPP Initiative Leaders, who are responsible for developing and coordinating implementation of assigned GPP Initiatives.
Update of GPP Guidelines
The EE&R Committee should review and if necessary, initiate an update of the GPP Guidelines at least every three years. The updated GPP Guidelines are drafted by Reem, who submits the same for endorsement to the EE&R Committee, prior to review and issuance by the Chairman of the EE&R Committee.
403 Roadmap
The roadmap for GPP implementation is illustrated in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Roadmap for GPP Implementation
DIVISION FIVE
Scope of the GPP Guidelines
The GPP Guidelines are only applicable to newly procured products, services and contracting works and do not affect any products that are already in use or any on-going service or contracting work agreements.
501 GPP Initiatives
GPP Initiatives aim to either avoid unnecessary purchases or to improve operational aspects related to GPP processes or capacity building, such as the training of purchase professionals.
Illustrative examples of GPP Initiatives that may be implemented include:
Implement a paperless system and thus spend less money on purchasing paper.
Avoid single use plastics, therefore diverting purchases towards items that have lower environmental impact, while also achieving cost benefits.
Introduce working from home policies and video conferencing to reduce GHG emissions associated with commuting, lower the organization’s fuel bills and reduce the amount of vehicles that need to be procured.
As part of the annual planning process, Government Entities should assess their procurement needs and identify opportunities for GPP initiatives. The GPP Initiative Leaders are listed in Annex D.
502 GPP Criteria
502.01 Criteria for Products, Services and Contracting Works
For ease of implementation in typical procurement activities and tools (e.g., purchase requisitions, tenders, purchase orders), the GPP Guidelines define GPP Criteria in the form of minimum specifications for commonly purchased products, services and contracting works. The GPP Criteria are organized in two levels: Core Criteria and Comprehensive Criteria.
Core Criteria
Core Criteria address key environmental impacts, with a primary focus on energy and water consumption. The Core Criteria can be used by Government Entities with minimal verification effort, and they are designed to have a positive impact on the LCC through, for example, lower energy and water consumption, lower maintenance costs, and/or lower cost of disposal.
Compliance with the Core Criteria for products, services and contracting works is seen as a minimum for a purchase to comply with the GPP Guidelines, for all targeting and reporting requirements outlined in the GPP Guidelines.
Comprehensive Criteria
The Comprehensive Criteria address broader and more challenging environmental objectives, which may not be fully justified by a lower LCC and may lead to a more significant impact on purchase cost. The Comprehensive Criteria are intended for Government Entities who, under exceptional circumstances, want to go further in supporting environmental goals, for example on the occasion of special projects.
The following products, services and contracting works are examples of purchase categories for which GPP Criteria are developed:
Products | Services and Contracting Works |
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Annex A includes the criteria, both core and comprehensive, for the covered products while Annex B details the criteria for the covered services and contracting works. The program of works for the GPP Criteria is detailed in Annex E.
For the purchase of products, services or contracting works which are not covered in either Annex A or Annex B, Government Entities may consider environmental aspects based on an LCC approach.
502.02 Criteria for Tender Evaluation
The GPP Guidelines define GPP Criteria for tender evaluation, which foresee a maximum number of extra points that Government Entities may assign in tender evaluations in case the supplier can prove efforts in reducing the environmental impacts of their operations and their supply chain and delivering value in the emirate. The GPP Criteria for tender evaluation are organized in two levels: Core Criteria and Comprehensive Criteria.
Core Criteria
Core Criteria address large tenders and recommend a relatively limited maximum number of extra points. When GPP Criteria for products, services and contracting works are not available, the use of Core Criteria for Tender Evaluation is considered sufficient for a purchase to comply with the GPP Guidelines, for all targeting and reporting requirements outlined in the GPP Guidelines.
Comprehensive Criteria
Comprehensive Criteria assign more relevance to the dimensions of environmental impact and value in the emirate, by extending the application of the point system to smaller tenders and recommending a higher maximum number of extra points than the Core Criteria.
Annex C includes the GPP Criteria for tender evaluation, both core and comprehensive.
ANNEX A GPP Criteria for Products
Copying and Graphic Paper (Category Code - A) | |
Scope | This category includes standards for the purchase of copying and graphic paper. This includes unprinted paper for writing, printing and copying purposes sold in sheets or reels. Finished paper products such as notebooks, calendars, flyers etc. are not included. |
Key Environmental Impacts |
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Recommended Green Specifications | |
Core GPP Criteria | |
Paper must be purchased from suppliers with a valid supply contract. | |
Paper must be certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) or by other equivalent sustainable forest management standard organizations, and/or must include some recovered paper fibers. Recovered paper fibers include both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled fibers. | |
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |
Paper must be purchased from suppliers with a valid supply contract. | |
Paper shall be made from 100% recovered paper fibers. Recovered paper fibers include both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled fibers. | |
Paper shall be Elementary Chlorine Free (ECF) or Totally Chlorine Free (TCF). | |
Light Vehicles (Category Code – B) | |||||||||||||||||
Scope | This category includes standards for light vehicles, which are purchased, leased or rented. Light vehicles are vehicles with a gross weight less than 3,500 kg, including SUVs and pick-up trucks. Special-purpose vehicles such as armored vehicles are excluded from the scope of this category. | ||||||||||||||||
Key Environmental Impacts |
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Recommended Green Specifications | |||||||||||||||||
Core GPP Criteria | |||||||||||||||||
Light vehicles must comply with ESMA fuel economy ratings indicated in the table below.
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Light vehicles must be equipped with a mechanism to display fuel consumption figures to the driver. | |||||||||||||||||
The battery of electric vehicles must have a warranty for at least 150,000km or 5 years, whichever comes first, for the retention of 70% or more of its rated electricity storage capacity. | |||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |||||||||||||||||
Light vehicles must comply with ESMA fuel economy ratings indicated in the table below or should be hybrid or zero-emission vehicles. Zero-emission vehicles include electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
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Light vehicles must be equipped with a mechanism to display fuel consumption figures to the driver. | |||||||||||||||||
The battery of electric vehicles must have a warranty for at least 150,000km or 5 years, whichever comes first, for the retention of 70% or more of its rated electricity storage capacity. | |||||||||||||||||
Cars shall not be replaced before 400,000km of mileage or seven years, whatever comes first. | |||||||||||||||||
Indoor Lighting (Category Code - C) | |||||||||||||||||
Scope | This category includes standards for indoor lighting, which are installed inside a building. The following specialist lighting types are excluded from the scope:
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Key Environmental Impacts |
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Recommended Green Specifications | |||||||||||||||||
Core GPP Criteria | |||||||||||||||||
Lights must be either LED or otherwise minimum ESMA 4 star rated. Preference shall be given to LED light, where technically feasible. Mercury vapour and incandescent lights of any type, including halogen lamps, are banned. | |||||||||||||||||
If lights are procured for an entire building, the lighting power density shall not exceed the following values:
Compliance shall be demonstrated through a calculation by the lighting designer showing the total power consumed by the lighting, including lamps, ballast, sensors and controls, divided by the building’s total gross floor area. | |||||||||||||||||
If lights are procured for an individual space, the lighting power density shall not exceed the following values:
Compliance shall be demonstrated through a calculation by the lighting designer showing the total power consumed by the lighting, including lamps, ballast, sensors and controls, divided by the gross floor area of the indoor spaces. | |||||||||||||||||
For all new construction or renovation works, the following lighting controls must be provided:
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The mercury content shall not exceed the following values:
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Lights must have a minimum lifespan as per the table below:
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Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |||||||||||||||||
Lights must be either LED or ESMA 5 star rated. Preference is to be given to LED light, where technically feasible. Mercury vapour and incandescent lights of any type, including halogen lamps, are banned. | |||||||||||||||||
If lights are procured for an entire building, the lighting power density shall not exceed the following values:
Compliance shall be demonstrated through a calculation by the lighting designer showing the total power consumed by the lighting, including lamps, ballast, sensors and controls, divided by the building’s total gross floor area. | |||||||||||||||||
If lights are procured for an individual space, the lighting power density shall not exceed the following values:
Compliance shall be demonstrated through a calculation by the lighting designer showing the total power consumed by the lighting, including lamps, ballast, sensors and controls, divided by the gross floor area of the indoor spaces. | |||||||||||||||||
For all new construction or renovation works, the following lighting controls must be provided:
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Lights shall be procured from suppliers which are based in Ras Al Khaimah. | |||||||||||||||||
The mercury content shall not exceed the following values:
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Lights shall have a minimum lifespan as per the table below:
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Furniture (Category Code - D) | |
Scope | This category includes standards for furniture whose primary function is to be used for storage, placement or hanging of items or to provide surfaces where users can rest, sit, eat, study or work. This includes for example chairs, sofas, partition screens, filing cabinets, workstation panels. Bed mattresses, fences, railing, ladders, playground equipment and furniture fitted into vehicles are excluded from the scope of this category. |
Key Environmental Impacts |
|
Recommended Green Specifications | |
Core GPP Criteria | |
The tenderer shall provide a minimum warranty of three years effective from the day of delivery of the product. The warranty shall cover repair or replacement. | |
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |
The tenderer shall provide a minimum warranty of three years effective from the day of delivery of the product. The warranty shall cover repair or replacement. | |
All virgin timber used in furniture must be certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) or by other equivalent sustainable forest management standard organizations. | |
A minimum of 30% of the timber used in furniture shall be from recycled wood. | |
The formaldehyde emissions shall be limited to:
| |
The product shall not contain any heavy metal elements or compounds as listed below:
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Air-Conditioners (Category Code - E) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scope | This category includes standards for electrically operated unit air conditioners (ACs). Chilling packages and heat pumps are excluded from the scope of this category. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Key Environmental Impacts |
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Recommended Green Specifications | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Core GPP Criteria | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-ducted split ACs shall, at a minimum, be ESMA 4 star rated. Ducted split ACs and packaged units shall, at a minimum, comply with the energy efficiency requirements listed in the table below.
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The purchase of window ACs must be avoided. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All AC equipment and systems must contain refrigerants with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) or with Global Warming Potential (GWP) less than 100. All CFCs and HCFC-22 do not comply with the ODP and GWP limits and cannot be used. The following refrigerants comply with the ODP and GWP limits and can be used:
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Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-ducted split ACs shall, at a minimum, be ESMA 5 star rated. Ducted split ACs and packaged units shall, at a minimum, comply with the energy efficiency requirements listed in the table below.
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ACs shall be equipped with an inverter. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The purchase of window ACs must be avoided. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All AC equipment and systems must contain refrigerants with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) or with Global Warming Potential (GWP) less than 100. All CFCs and HCFC-22 do not comply with the ODP and GWP limits and cannot be used. The following refrigerants comply with the ODP and GWP limits and can be used:
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Household Appliances (Category Code - F) | |
Scope | This category includes standards for household appliances and covers the following products:
|
Key Environmental Impacts |
|
Recommended Green Specifications | |
Core GPP Criteria | |
Household appliances shall, at a minimum, be ESMA 3 star rated. | |
All fridges and freezers must contain refrigerants with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) or with Global Warming Potential (GWP) less than 100. All CFCs and HCFC-22 do not comply with the ODP and GWP limits and cannot be used. The following refrigerants comply with the ODP and GWP limits and can be used:
| |
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |
All household appliances shall, at a minimum, be ESMA 5 star rated. | |
All fridges and freezers must contain refrigerants with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) or with Global Warming Potential (GWP) less than 100. All CFCs and HCFC-22 do not comply with the ODP and GWP limits and cannot be used. The following refrigerants comply with the ODP and GWP limits and can be used:
| |
Water Fixtures and Fittings (Category Code - G) | |||||||||||||||
Scope | This category includes standards for water fixtures and fittings and covers the following products:
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Key Environmental Impact |
| ||||||||||||||
Recommended Green Specifications | |||||||||||||||
Core GPP Criteria | |||||||||||||||
All water fixtures and fittings must meet the maximum allowable flush and flow rates specified in the table below.
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Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |||||||||||||||
All water fixtures and fittings must meet the maximum allowable flush and flow rates specified in the table below.
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IT Equipment (Category Code - H) | ||||||||||||||||
Scope | This category includes standards for IT Equipment which includes the following products:
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Key Environmental Impacts |
| |||||||||||||||
Recommended Green Specifications | ||||||||||||||||
Core GPP Criteria | ||||||||||||||||
The tenderer shall provide a minimum warranty of three years for laptops, desktops, computer monitors and small workstations and a minimum warranty of one year for multifunctional devices effective from delivery of the product. The warranty shall cover replacement or repair. | ||||||||||||||||
The product shall comply with international power consumption standards such as Energy Star. | ||||||||||||||||
The product shall comply with maximum energy consumption thresholds outlined in the table below.
| ||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | ||||||||||||||||
The tenderer shall provide a minimum warranty of three years for laptops, desktops, computer monitors, small workstations, and for multifunctional devices effective from delivery of the product. The warranty shall cover replacement or repair. | ||||||||||||||||
The product shall comply with international power consumption standard such as Energy Star. | ||||||||||||||||
The product shall comply with maximum energy consumption thresholds outlined in the table below.
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Rechargeable batteries shall not be glued or soldered into portable products. It shall be possible for a professional user or repair service provider to replace the rechargeable battery. | ||||||||||||||||
Cleaning Products (Category Code - I) | |
Scope | This category includes standards for cleaning products, excluding products which are used for disinfection and sanitisation purposes. |
Key Environmental Impacts |
|
Recommended Green Specifications | |
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |
Cleaning products must have an ecolabel, such as EU Ecolabel, Green Seal or equivalent, or must be based on organic ingredients. | |
Carpeting (Category Code - J) | |
Scope | This category includes standards for carpets |
Key Environmental Impacts |
|
Recommended Green Specifications | |
Core GPP Criteria | |
Carpets shall use low-VOC adhesives with 50g of VOC per litre of adhesive or less, or be installed using hook fastener systems which do not required adhesive. | |
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |
Carpets shall use low-VOC adhesives with 50g of VOC per litre of adhesive or less, or be installed using hook fastener systems which do not required adhesive. | |
Carpets shall have an ecolabel, such as Green Label Plus, Greenguard or equivalent, or shall be made from wool instead of synthetic fibers. | |
ANNEX B
GPP Criteria for Services and Contracting Works
Retrofit Projects (Category Code - K) | |
Scope | This category includes standards for retrofitting of existing buildings. |
Key Environmental Impacts |
|
Recommended Green Specifications | |
Core GPP Criteria. | |
Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) shall be accredited with Ras Al Khaimah Municipality. | |
5% of the retrofit contract value must be sourced locally within the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. This may include locally sourced equipment, products and materials, and/or locally-sourced expenditure, subcontracts or man-hours for system design, installation, testing, commissioning, project management, operation & maintenance (O&M) and/or measurement, monitoring and verification (MMV). | |
The building shall allow for real time monitoring of energy and water consumption. | |
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |
Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) shall be accredited with Ras Al Khaimah Municipality. | |
30% of the retrofit contract value must be sourced locally within the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. This may include locally sourced equipment, products and materials, and/or locally-sourced expenditure, subcontracts or man-hours for system design, installation, testing, commissioning, project management, operation & maintenance (O&M) and/or measurement, monitoring and verification (MMV). | |
The retrofitting works shall include passive measures such as:
| |
Buildings should be retrofitted to nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) with a calculated energy use intensity of less than 90 kWh/m2/year. Where feasible, it is encouraged to go beyond the nZEB standard and retrofit buildings to zero energy buildings. Zero energy buildings generate 100% of their energy needs on-site and thus have a calculated energy use intensity of 0 kWh/m2/year. | |
The building shall allow for real time monitoring of energy and water consumption. | |
Building Design and Construction (Category Code - L) | |
Scope | This category includes standards for design and construction of new buildings. |
Key Environmental Impacts |
|
Recommended Green Specifications | |
Core GPP Criteria | |
New buildings shall comply with Barjeel, the Green Building Regulations of Ras Al Khaimah issued by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality. | |
30% of the building design and construction contract must be sourced locally within the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. This may include locally sourced products and materials, and/or locally-sourced expenditure, subcontracts or man-hours for the building design, testing and commissioning, construction and/or site supervision. | |
Contractors shall provide a construction environmental management plan (CEMP). | |
The building shall allow for real time monitoring of energy and water consumption. | |
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |
New buildings shall comply with Barjeel, the Green Building Regulations of Ras Al Khaimah issued by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality. | |
Buildings shall be designed as nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) with a calculated energy use intensity of less than 90 kWh/m2/year. Where feasible, it is encouraged to go beyond the nZEB standard and design buildings as zero energy buildings. Zero energy buildings generate 100% of their energy needs on-site and thus have a calculated energy use intensity of 0 kWh/m2/year. | |
70% of the building design and construction contract must be sourced locally within the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. This may include locally sourced products and materials, and/or locally-sourced expenditure, subcontracts or man-hours for the building design, testing and commissioning, construction and/or site supervision. | |
Contractors shall provide a construction environmental management plan (CEMP). | |
Contractors shall have an ISO 14001 certified environmental management system. | |
The building shall allow for real time monitoring of energy and water consumption. | |
The building shall achieve the highest possible green building rating, such as LEED Platinum, BREEAM Outstanding, Estidama 5 Pearl or equivalent. | |
Solar Projects (Category Code - M) | |
Scope | This category includes standards for solar PV projects. |
Key Environmental Impacts |
|
Recommended Green Specifications | |
Core GPP Criteria | |
Solar panels shall achieve at least an average efficiency of 18%. | |
5% of the solar contract value must be sourced locally within the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. This may include locally sourced equipment, products and materials, and/or locally-sourced expenditure, subcontracts or man-hours for system design, project management, installation, testing, commissioning, and operation & maintenance (O&M). | |
The solar panel manufacturer shall provide a warranty that the actual power output after 25 years shall not be less than 70% of the initial nominal output. | |
Comprehensive GPP Criteria | |
Solar panels shall achieve at least an average efficiency of 20%. | |
40% of the solar contract value must be sourced locally within the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. This may include locally sourced equipment, products and materials, and/or locally-sourced expenditure, subcontracts or man-hours for system design, project management, installation, testing, commissioning, and operation & maintenance (O&M). | |
The solar panel manufacturer shall provide a warranty that the actual power output after 25 years shall not be less than 75% of the initial nominal output. | |
Solar panels shall be N-type solar panels. | |
Contractor shall provide a recycling plan for PV panels. | |
ANNEX C
GPP Criteria for Tender Evaluation
The following point system allows suppliers who fulfil certain criteria in their operations and supply chain to achieve extra points in tender evaluation. Extra points are expressed in maximum % score applicable to each evaluation dimension applicable to various types of evaluation methods, such as the lowest price technically compliant method or the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). Suppliers may have more than one way to achieve extra points in each dimension, as long as sufficient evidence is provided. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Core Criteria | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Application | Tenders above 500k AED | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A maximum total of 5% additional points in the evaluation score of a tender can be provided according to the following criteria:
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Comprehensive Criteria | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Application | Tenders above 100k AED | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A maximum total of 10% additional points in the evaluation score of a tender can be provided according to the following criteria:
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ANNEX D
GPP Initiatives
Go Paperless | ||
Key Environmental Impacts | Use of paper results in deforestation and commercial monoculture forests for paper production, resulting in release of sequestered carbon, biodiversity loss and land degradation | |
Objectives | Scope | |
Aspirational targets:
|
| |
Work Plan | ||
Work-stream 1: Reduce internal printing needs
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Work-stream 2: Reduce printing needs for own publications
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Work-stream 3: Reduce the need for printed letters
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Work-stream 4: Reduce the need of paper for transactions (e.g., orders, invoices, receipts)
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Work-stream 5: Create awareness and educate employees about reducing paper use
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Single-Use Plastics No More | ||||
Key Environmental Impacts | Single-use plastics can contaminate water and soil and, over the long run, may turn into micro-plastic particles, which are harmful for humans and animals | |||
Objectives | Scope | |||
|
| |||
Targets 2026 (Government Entities) | Targets 2030 (Government Entities) | |||
Plastic bags | 100% reduction | 100% reduction | ||
Plastic bottles | 100% reduction | 100% reduction | ||
Cutlery, cups and straws | 80% reduction | 100% reduction | ||
Fresh food packaging material | 80% reduction | 100% reduction | ||
Industrial food packaging material | 20% reduction | 40% reduction | ||
Stationary | 10% reduction | 20% reduction | ||
Work Plan | ||||
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Responsibilities | Recommended Timeline | |||
Green Procurement Initiative Leader:
Green Procurement Champions:
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ANNEX E
Program of Works
GPP Criteria
GPP Category | Category Leader | Status | Plan |
Light Vehicles | PSD | Available | Review by December 2025 |
Lights | RAKEZ | Available | Review by December 2025 |
Air Conditioners (ACs) | RAKEZ | Available | Review by December 2025 |
IT Equipment | EGA | Available | Review by December 2025 |
Paper | DoF | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Furniture | DoF | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Household Appliances | RAK MUN | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Water Fixtures and Fittings | RAK MUN | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Cleaning Products | EPDA | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Carpeting | EPDA | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Retrofit Projects | RAK MUN | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Solar Projects | RAK MUN | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Building Design and Construction | RAK MUN | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Cleaning Contracts | N/A | Not started yet | Assign Category Leader by March 2025 |
Events and Catering | N/A | Not started yet | Assign Category Leader by March 2025 |
Maintenance | N/A | Not started yet | Assign Category Leader by March 2025 |
Facility Management | N/A | Not started yet | Assign Category Leader by March 2025 |
GPP Initiatives
GPP Initiative | Initiative Leader | Status | Plan |
Go Paperless | RAKEZ | Available | Review by December 2026 |
Single-Use Plastics No More | EPDA | Available | Review by December 2026 |
ANNEX F
Target Definition and Reporting Templates
Target definition template
Government Entity: | |||
Year: | |||
GPP Category | Selected for GPP adoption | Total budget for the year (AED) | Target GPP compliance |
Paper |
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Light Vehicles |
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Lights |
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Furniture |
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Air Conditioners (ACs) |
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Household Appliances |
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Water Fixtures and Fittings |
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IT Equipment |
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Cleaning Products |
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Carpeting | |||
Retrofit Projects |
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Solar Projects |
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Building Design and Construction |
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Total (across all GPP categories) |
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Other categories of spend (for which GPP Criteria are not defined) |
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| |
Overall (across all spend) |
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|
Reporting template
Government Entity: |
| |||
Reporting Year: | ||||
GPP Category | Selected for GPP adoption | Total spend value of the year (AED) | Target GPP compliance | Achieved GPP compliance |
Paper |
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Light Vehicles |
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Lights |
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Furniture |
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Air Conditioners (ACs) |
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Household Appliances |
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Water Fixtures and Fittings |
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IT Equipment |
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Cleaning Products |
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Carpeting | ||||
Retrofit Projects |
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Solar Projects |
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Building Design and Construction |
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Total (across all GPP categories) |
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Other categories of spend |
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Overall (across all spend) |
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