Guidance for Fossil-Free Procurement
Setting clear and quantifiable requirements from a lifecycle perspective enables procurement professionals to objectively compare different bids. In this way, suppliers offering the most climate-adapted products are rewarded.
It is also necessary to effectively plan the design of future public procurement if we are to meet set climate goals and targets. To ensure this, it is required that climate calculations for products are performed uniformly, regardless of suppliers, by referring to specific calculation rules known as PCR rules (Product Category Rules).
The process of developing and compiling information on fossil-free procurement criteria consists of three steps:
- Analysis Tools
- Procurement Criteria (PCR - Product Category Rules)
- Climate Impact (EPD - Environmental Product Declaration)
For The Criteria Step, work has been completed on all three steps, as calculations according to PCR result in an EPD that describes climate impact.
Product-Specific Rules (PCR Rules)
The development of product-specific rules (PCR rules) follows a step-by-step procedure, which in many cases resembles the process used to develop international standards. These steps include:
- Initiation
- Preparation/Development
- Open Consultation
- Approval/Publication
- Monitoring/Updating
Typically, the process is initiated when companies and organizations identify a need to develop a PCR for a specific product category area that includes both goods and services. The development of the PCR is often carried out by lifecycle analysis (LCA) experts in close collaboration with representatives from the relevant industries. All stakeholders are welcome to participate in the process. The final proposal undergoes an open international consultation to gather feedback and suggestions for additions. After approval by an expert group, the PCR is published by a program operator within EPD (Environmental Product Declarations), which oversees its use. The validity period of the PCR is time-limited and is regularly reviewed or updated as needed.
Product Areas for which PCRs have been developed by the International EPD® System include:
- Metals, minerals, plastics, and glass products
- Paper products
- Infrastructure and buildings
- Furniture and other goods
- Construction products
- Services
- Vehicles and transportation
- Machinery and equipment
- Chemical products
- Textiles, footwear, and clothing
- Food and beverages
- Electricity, steam, and fuels
PCRs can be searched for on the International EPD® System’s website. 
External link, opens in new window.
There is still ongoing development of information on the International EPD® System’s website. The goal is to make it easier to find each PCR through the PCR library, including an overview with separate pages for each PCR containing basic information.