Setting the framework
Setting the framework

Setting the framework

Identifying relevant regulations

The application of Open SPP when procuring ICT equipment can be guided by the existence of certain compliance frameworks that address some of the sustainability challenges in the sector. These can include:

Ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions

Ratification of the core eight ILO conventions can help to guide what information can be requested of suppliers regarding labor rights in the supply chains.

Electronic waste regulation

Many countries have specific regulations regarding the management of electronic and electrical waste (e-waste). For example, Mexico, which is the third global producer of e-waste, has recently amended their waste management regulatory framework to include specific provisions regarding e-waste management. These regulations often include provisions regarding hazardous waste management (batteries, etc.). This framework can be useful to determine the obligations regarding waste management that should be clearly communicated to the supplier and included on the contract.

Look for existing sustainability standards

Existing sustainability standards, and ecolabels for the ICT sector can help you when deciding what criteria to set during the procurement process. For more information on what ecolabels are, the different types, and how they can be used in procurement see this guide. Below we include some of the key standards developed for this sector.

TCO

TCO is an international Type I ecolabel that provides standards for sustainable ICT equipment. This includes criteria for displays, notebooks, tablets, smartphones, desktops, all-in-one PCs, projectors, headsets, network equipment, data storage, and servers.

Energy Star is a Type I-like ecolabel which sets a maximum level of energy consumption for electric appliances. The Energy Star rating or certification can help you identify products which are held to a higher energy use and emissions standard.

Aside from these two, other ecolabels which cover ICT products include the Taiwan Green Mark, the Korea Eco Label, the Blue Angel ecolabel for printers. The EU has also developed sustainability criteria for the procurement of “Imaging equipment, consumables and print services” and of “Computers, monitors, tablets and smartphones”.

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The criteria included in the above mentioned sources is extensive and covers many aspects of ICT equipment. Based on this criteria, and the identified sustainability concerns of the ICT sector, in the following section we have selected some of the key factors where the application of Open SPP can have the biggest impact.