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Green Deal: The Only Path to Revive Industry and Jobs. Forum Compraverde 2025 Kicks Off
Climate change is no longer a future threat—it’s a daily reality for Italy and the entire Mediterranean region. With extreme weather events on the rise and growing pressure on our production systems, the European Green Deal is not only a necessary response but also a unique opportunity for economic and job recovery. On the eve of the Forum Compraverde Buygreen 2025, Fondazione Ecosistemi puts forward a strong and tangible proposal: turning public procurement into a driver of the green and industrial transition through the Buy European and Sustainable Act (BESA).
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From schools to the supply chain: how school catering leads the green turn in Europe
School catering is a candidate to become one of the drivers of the ecological transition of food systems in Europe. This will be discussed on 15th May at the Compraverde Buygreen Forum in Rome, during the international meeting 'School catering promoting the ecological and just transition of local food systems in Europe'. The event, realised in collaboration with the European project SchoolFood4Change, will bring together institutions, schools and operators from different countries to discuss the most effective strategies to reduce the environmental impact of the local food supply chain, promote short supply chains, ensure social equity and disseminate good practices and innovative policies.
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Sustainable food at school: the global approach that changes food systems
Transforming the food system starting from schools. This is the challenge at the centre of the meeting 'The Global Approach to School Food', scheduled for 15th May 2025 at the Compraverde Buygreen Forum in Rome. An appointment that focuses on one of the most promising levers for promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles: food education integrated into the daily practices of schools. The methodology presented, the Whole School Food Approach (WSFA), was born within the European project SchoolFood4Change and is proposed as a concrete tool to rethink school food. It is not just a question of improving the meals served in the canteen, but of involving the entire school ecosystem: from participatory governance, to teaching, to the relationship with the local area and families.
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Ignoring health in public procurement: can we still afford it?
The Forum Compraverde Buygreen on 15th May opens the debate on a decisive but still too neglected issue: the role of health in public procurement criteria. To date, although the concept of sustainability is at the heart of public policy, the impact on health - both human and environmental - often remains a marginal aspect in procurement selection processes. The One Health approach, adopted by the World Health Organisation, emphasises how human, animal and environmental health are closely interlinked. Yet in public procurement - from school catering contracts to urban green management and infrastructure design - the direct and indirect impact on people's health is rarely integrated into the award criteria. A vacuum which, in a time of ecological and social transition, is no longer sustainable.
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SchoolFood4Change: when institutions take the lead in the food revolution
The future of a healthier and more sustainable diet also passes through school canteens, hospitals, and RSAs. It is here, between a daily meal and a gesture of care, that a silent yet powerful transformation is unfolding. This is exactly the focus of the workshop ‘SchoolFood4Change: Meeting the Institutions Replicating the Results of the Project,’ scheduled for 14th May 2025 at the Compraverde Buygreen Forum in Rome. The afternoon promises to be filled with insightful discussions and inspiring exchanges, as schools, hospitals, and other public institutions from around the world share how they are transforming local food systems.
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Innovation and sustainability in road infrastructure: the new CAM and the prospects of rubberised asphalt
Innovation also runs through asphalt. At the 2025 Compraverde Buygreen Forum, the spotlight will be on the new ‘CAM Strade,’ the minimum environmental criteria that are set to redefine the design, construction, and maintenance of road infrastructure from a sustainable perspective. This long-awaited update, spearheaded by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, opens the door to the use of recycled materials, low-impact technologies, and circular resource management models in road building.
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Forum Compraverde 2025: May 14-15 in Rome for a strong, sustainable, and independent Europe
A strong Europe is one that embraces the Green Deal: competitive, responsible, and independent. This is the central theme of Forum Compraverde Buygreen 2025, the leading Italian and European event dedicated to green procurement policies, projects, and services, both public and private, promoted by Fondazione Ecosistemi. The event will take place on May 14-15 in Rome. Compraverde 2025 delivers a clear message: the Green Deal is the only path toward a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable Europe.
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Sustainable Public Procurement: The launch of the European Network of Public Authorities for the BESA (Buy European and Sustainable Act)
At the 2025 Compraverde Buygreen Forum, a new alliance for a more sustainable Europe is taking shape. The Network of Public Administrations for the BESA (Buy European and Sustainable Act) is officially launched, uniting Italian local authorities committed to driving the ecological transition through public procurement. The foundation of this network is Italy’s pioneering experience with the application of Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM), which have become mandatory in many public procurement sectors.
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Green Deal and European independence: sustainability at the heart of the Union’s new strength
The future of Europe begins with the Green Deal. As the world faces escalating climate emergencies and economic uncertainty, the EU is called to lead with vision, responsibility, and ambition. The opening conference of the Forum Compraverde Buygreen 2025 sets the tone with a powerful message: a strong Europe is green, fair, and independent. Join us on 14 May for an essential discussion on how sustainability can drive innovation, competitiveness, and social justice.
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Applications for the Compraverde Buygreen Award 2025 are open until 24 April
The Compraverde Buygreen Award is back for 2025 with an important new feature: for the first time, applications will be open to European organisations. The calls for application are available online and it will be possible to participate until 24 April 2025. The award recognises best practices in Green Public Procurement (GPP) across key sectors such as catering, culture, sports, healthcare, and sustainable building, promoting responsible purchasing models. Winners will be announced at the 19th Compraverde Buygreen Forum on 14-15 May 2025 in Rome.
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The challenges of Green Procurement in 2025: new opportunities and obstacles
In 2025, Green Procurement will be crucial for sustainability, offering opportunities like public incentives, technological innovations, rising demand for sustainable products, and public-private collaborations. However, challenges such as higher initial costs, limited sustainable suppliers, resistance to change, and evolving regulations must be addressed to ensure long-term progress and a sustainable future. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for long-term sustainability and a greener future.
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Sustainability Reporting: European Commission publishes FAQ for companies
The European Commission has issued a communication containing 90 frequently asked questions (FAQ) to clarify companies' sustainability reporting obligations. The aim is to guide companies, regardless of their size, towards greater transparency on sustainable finance. The FAQs focus mainly on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which introduces new reporting obligations. The Commission aims to simplify compliance, ensure comparable information, and provide clarification.
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The challenging intersection of culture, resources, and sustainability: an interview with Silvano Falocco
Silvano Falocco, environmental economist and coordinator of GPPnet and the Forum Compraverde Buygreen, discusses the challenges of balancing cultural, environmental, and economic aspects in event planning. He emphasizes the need for cultural programs with clear missions and visions, while also addressing the practical challenges and strategies necessary to overcome obstacles and successfully organize events.
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A Manifesto for Mandatory Minimum Criteria for Public Canteens throughout the EU
What if all public and school canteens in Europe had to meet minimum standards supporting sustainability and the SDGs? While some may raise concerns about costs, the long-term costs of unsustainable practices are much higher. The Manifesto for minimum standards, developed by the Buy Better Food Campaign and EU Food Policy Coalition, emphasizes "buying better to get more" and calls for good governance and market engagement
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Investments of 160 billion generate benefits of 350 billion: the energy transition is good for Italy
Decarbonizing Italy’s electricity system by 2035 would bring significant economic and employment benefits. According to a report by Fondazione Ecosistemi for WWF Italy, the transition to a fully decarbonized system is both achievable and advantageous. The study builds on earlier reports by Ecco and Artelys, highlighting the positive impacts on Italy’s economy and job market.
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ASVIS 2024 Report: Italy is on an unsustainable development path, the 2030 Agenda Goals are far away
Italy is not on track to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, with only eight of 37 targets achievable. A major change in policy is urgently needed, focusing on sustainable development, accelerating ecological and digital transitions, addressing inequalities, and utilizing new European sustainability regulations. These findings were presented in the ninth ASVIS Report.
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Plastic pollution, OECD road map to reduce it by 96 percent by 2040
Comprehensive global policies addressing the entire plastics lifecycle can reduce plastic leakage into the environment by 96% by 2040, according to a new OECD report. By implementing a mix of policies – from enhancing plastic waste management and recycling, to curbing plastic use and waste – countries can achieve significant environmental benefits and economic savings compared to less balanced strategies.
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CSRD: new sustainability reporting requirements take effect on 25 september 2024
The Italian transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) took effect on 25 September 2024 through Legislative Decree 2024/125. This decree enhances corporate sustainability reporting, requiring more detailed disclosures on companies' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts for better transparency and assessment.
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Excellence in GPP: Compraverde Buygreen 2024 awards italian Green Public Procurement leaders
The 18th edition of the Forum Compraverde concluded with the presentation of the Compraverde Buygreen Award. Established in 2008, this is Italy's only award recognizing the best Green Public Procurement (GPP) experiences. It highlights efforts in areas such as environmental criteria, green canteens, zero-kilometre supply chains, waste management, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, circular economy tourism, and CO2 reduction.
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Green Public Procurement in Italy: the Green Procurement Observatory presents its 7th report
In Italy, GPP and CAM are advancing slowly. A 2023 survey of 126 public administrations shows an average performance of 62%, with Metropolitan Municipalities at 79% and protected areas at 56%. Only 17% monitor procurement. However, GPP knowledge is high (98%), with key policies like "Plastic Free" (57%) and "Training" (56%) widely applied. These insights are from the VII GPP report, presented at the Forum Compraverde Buygreen 2024.
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Compraverde 2024: too much meat in Italian canteens and 40% of food is wasted
Reducing food waste and adopting a plant-based diet could save between 150 and 200 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2050. Notably, a plate of meat generates about 50 times more emissions than a plate of legumes. The majority of the Earth's land is used to produce animal-based food, leading to deforestation and significant enteric emissions from livestock. This is the picture taken during the first day of the Forum Compraverde Buygreen 2024.
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Day 1 of Compraverde 2024: more Jobs, less environmental impact with green rules
Public procurement, responsible for 15% of GDP and 10% of the EU's carbon footprint, can drive the low-carbon transition by purchasing lower-emission products. This supports the shift of European companies to a low-carbon economy and generates socio-economic benefits. With this goal, Forum Compraverde Buygreen, Europe's leading event for green procurement, kicked off today in Rome, organized by Fondazione Ecosistemi.
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Compraverde 2024 conference: European and green procurement central to the political agenda
Politicians are urged to prioritize the environment and take joint responsibility for promoting European and sustainable purchasing, ahead of the European elections. This appeal was made during the press conference for the Forum Compraverde Buygreen, the leading event in Italy and Europe for Green Procurement. The two-day event will be held in Rome on May 15-16 at WeGil, with key participants including Minister Raffaele Fitto, Lazio President Francesco Rocca, and Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.
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Sustainability: the Forum Compraverde Buygreen will be held on May 15-16 in Rome
Buy European, Buy Sustainable! This is the theme of the 18th edition of Forum Compraverde Buygreen, Italy and Europe's leading event on Green Procurement. The two-day event will be held on May 15 and 16 in Rome. Panels will cover topics such as environmental education, social and human rights in procurement, mass catering, green hospitals, sustainability in sports, tackling green and social washing, and promoting good practices to address climate change.
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Stop greenwashing: the European directive point by point
After the Europarliament vote, the final approval of the new rules against greenwashing requires only the EU Council's green light. This key law marks a first step in eradicating greenwashing and ensuring transparency for consumers. Next steps include publication in the Official Journal and transposition by member states within 2 years. The goal is to protect consumers from deceptive practices, improve product labeling, and make warranty information more visible.
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Joint letter to the EU Commission: more than 15 European organisations call for sustainable public food procurement
15+ organisations, sent an open letter to President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioners EU with one clear message: let’s use public food procurement to provide more sustainable and healthier food. The European organisations call to clearly define the areas for the future development of minimum mandatory sustainable food procurement criteria and to include these 4 strategic minimum standards.
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National policy dialogue – SchoolFood4Change: integrating the Whole Food school approach
On Wednesday, May 17 at Compraverde there will be a working table to promote policies for introducing a comprehensive approach to healthy and sustainable nutrition in schools. The goal is to inform national stakeholders about the project and the innovative methodology developed to integrate innovative procurement, healthy diets with a comprehensive, integrated approach to nutrition education in schools.
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Forum Compraverde Buygreen the Green Procurement General Assembly will be held in Rome on May 17 and 18
Forum Compraverde Buygreen, the leading event in Italy and Europe for public and private Green Procurement policies, projects, goods and services, will be held on May 17 and 18 in Rome, at Palazzo WeGil. The key role of public procurement in policies for decarbonization, circular economy and biodiversity protection will be the focus of the two-day event.
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EU poll reveals 93% of Europeans think food in public canteens should be guaranteed healthy
According to a recent poll, 93% of Europeans agree that the food offered in public spaces, like schools and hospitals, should be guaranteed to be healthy. In a Europe where 1 in 3 school-aged children is obese or overweight and 24.4% of children are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, ensuring healthy and sustainable food in public canteens is an essential investment of public money.
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Forum Compraverde 2023: the highlights of the Green Procurement General Assembly coming up on 17 and 18 May
It will be may for the first time, on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18, to host the 2023 edition of the Forum Compraverde Buygreen, the Green Procurement General Assembly, organised by Fondazione Ecosistemi at WeGil in Rome. "Change the purchases not the climate" is the urgent invitation that Forum's promoters are addressing to the main actors involved in the purchasing of goods and services.
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Compraverde Buygreen 2023: meeting on 17 and 18 May in Rome with the Green Procurement General Assembly
The annual Forum Compraverde Buygreen from 2023 will be held in May. This new timing is intended to further strengthen the forum's usability and contribution to green procurement and, more generally, to the country's ecological transition.
The 17th edition, therefore, returns on 17 and 18 May again at the WeGil building in Rome.
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Manifesto for establishing minimum standards for public canteens across the EU
The Sustainable Food Procurement manifesto calls for a minimum standard for public canteens across the EU as part of implementing the Farm to Fork strategy. It contains precise targets, procurement tender criteria, verification and enablers for seven actionable target areas which go beyond ‘green’ (or environmentally friendly) public procurement.
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Forum Compraverde Buygreen 2022: how to use PNRR funds in a sustainable way
The start of the annual Forum Compraverde Buygreen is just over a week away. The 2022 edition will take place in the historic WeGil building in Trastevere, on 19 and 20 October next and will be available in live streaming on www.forumcompraverde.it.
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Small plate, big impact: Buy Better Food launches campaign for healthy school meals
The Buy Better Food Campaign has initiated an EU-wide petition for ‘A healthy meal for every child in every EU School’. The aim is to invite cities and citizens to urge EU and national policy makers to implement
meals for the implementation of the EU Farm to Fork strategy.
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