Over 220 representatives from local governments, national governments and other public sector bodies met in Reykjavik, 25 - 27 March 2009, to discuss how sustainable public purchasing practices can make a substantial contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Iceland seized the momentous opportunity to allow delegates to witness the official signing of a new Icelandic public procurement policy, containing firm commitments to buy sustainably by the Ministers of the Environment and Finance.
Thank you to all the public authority delegates from 41 different nations who pledged to use their vast economic purchasing power to help fight climate change by strongly boosting the market for climate friendly products and services, making the seventh EcoProcura Conference an enormous success!
Latest updates
NEW! Visit the Outcomes section download the press releases to see the conference photos and read some pledges from conference participants.
NEW! Environment Minister Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir (left) and Finance Minister Steingrímur J. Sigfússon sign a new Icelandic Sustainable Procurement National Action Plan at EcoProcura 2009 in Reykjavik. Download press release.
NEW! Many presentations now available for download under Programme & Presentations, see the photos of the event under
Iceland & IRENA! Together with 74 other governments, the representative of Iceland is signing the statutory document for the foundation of IRENA, the International Renewable Energy Agency on 26 January 2009 in Bonn, Germany at the IRENA founding conference.
Conference Topics
- The importance of sustainable procurement in the global climate debate
- How sustainable procurement can support climate mitigation and adaptation strategies
- Improving dialogue between public authority procurers and suppliers
- How sustainable procurement can drive innovation
Why Reykjavik?
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is located halfway between Europe and North America. The EcoProcura 2009 conference offered a bridge for participants from both continents to encourage the development of transatlantic exchange and cooperation.
With 72% of its total energy consumption derived from hydroelectric and geothermal sources and almost 100% in electricity and house heating, Iceland constitutes a global leader in renewable energy. The abundance of the volcanic island's renewable energy sources, and the creative and forward-looking mindset of its population have made Iceland an inspirational place where tackling climate change is a natural step.