Development of the SDG Indicator 12.7.1 measurement methodology

UN Environment has leveraged the expertise and network of the One Planet Sustainable Public Procurement Programme, as well as its own experience in building the capacities of countries, to develop the methodology for the indicator. In 2017 a Global Review of Sustainable Public Procurement was carried out by UNEP under the One Planet Sustainable Public Procurement Programme. National Focal Points in charge of SPP policies were identified in 55 countries and a survey circulated to assess the progress of SPP policies among Member States. The results of the Survey provided elements to better understand how indicator 12.7.1 could be measured, and a draft methodology was developed taking these into account. The draft methodology outlines the various components of a solid Sustainable Public Procurement policy. In 2018, a composite index was developed to measure the level of implementation of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) in a single country. The idea of the composite index is to assess the means dedicated to SPP policies, the level of implementation of the usual components of SPP policies and the outcomes of these policies at national, subnational or both levels. The index combines the following factors in a single measure: A Existence of SPP action plan, policy and/or SPP regulatory requirements at national or sub-national levels. B Quality of the SPP regulatory framework C Number of staff dedicated to supporting the implementation of SPP policy or SPP practitioners. D Training/Capacity-building of public procurement practitioners on SPP. E Practical support delivered to public procurement practitioners for the implementation of SPP. F SPP purchasing criteria/ buying standards / requirements identified. G Existence of an SPP monitoring system. H Percentage of sustainable purchase of priority products/services. In August-September 2019, the methodology was tested with 18 UNEP partner countries and was subsequently refined taking into account feedback received. In November 2019, a request was submitted to the SDG Inter-Agency Expert Group for the reclassification of the methodology in the Tier 2 category. We're still awaiting the decision of the IAEG on the reclassification request. Since 2018, 52 experts from 40 different organizations and 31 different countries took part in the development of the methodology. 6 of them are based in Africa, 11 in Asia, 26 in Europe, 5 in North America and 4 in South America.