Harmonization (2011)

  Since the start of this century various public bodies have defined products and services from a sustainability perspective. Such provisions are often a summary of criteria and clauses and are used for various policy instruments including sustainable public procurements. Raising the demand for sustainable products can gradually increase the range of sustainable products and services on the market.The drawing up of criteria is often associated with a preliminary investigation, market research and questioning the sector organisations, NGOs and other public bodies. Initiatives to determine sustainable criteria have been taken by various Belgian towns, cities and local authorities, regional public bodies, by the federal authorities, the European Commission and various neighbouring countries. In most cases the activities were uncoordinated. The following is a summary of the research and consultation at the regional authorities, the federal government and the European Commission. It is a first initiative to  coordinate the various initiatives better in the future (in Dutch or French): PDF