Ireland joins international partnership for promoting sustainable ICT procurement

Circular and Fair ICT Pact includes sustainability target

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Ireland has entered into a voluntary agreement to co-operate with other bodies, internationally, to improve the sustainability of ICT procurement. Known as the Circular and Fair ICT Pact (CFIT), this voluntary initiative is an international procurement-led partnership with a remit to accelerate circularity, fairness, and sustainability in the ICT sector. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has joined the CFIT Pact as a coordinating participant.

Joining the CFIT Pact fulfils a key commitment in the Buying Greener: Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027 that was approved by Government earlier this year. The strategy, which will drive the implementation of green and circular procurement practices across the public sector, includes a specific target for sustainable ICT procurement, with a focus on the use of certified or remanufactured IT products.

Ireland has already been making efforts to support sustainable ICT procurement with the launch earlier this year by the Office of Government Procurement of a new framework that allows public bodies to purchase remanufactured laptops. This is the first arrangement of its kind in the EU.

Through participation in the CFIT Pact, Ireland will enhance its sustainable ICT procurement efforts and will also share good practice with other participants, contributing to efforts worldwide to create a more sustainable ICT sector.

Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment, Communications and the Circular Economy Ossian Smyth said: “I am delighted to have signed the CFIT Pact which enables Ireland to join other countries and organisations to leverage collective procurement power to drive enhanced circularity, fairness, and sustainability in the ICT sector.”

Emphasising the importance of Ireland’s involvement, Marieke Weerdesteijn, programme manager at CFIT, said: “Ireland’s participation strengthens the collective effort toward sustainable ICT procurement. Its experiences provide valuable insights for CFIT participants and contribute to progress in making the ICT sector more sustainable.” 

TechCentral Reporters

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