LIFE Innovative Green Public Procurement for Sustainable and Future-proof Artificial Turf Pitches

Introduction

The LIFE GREEN PITCHES project demonstrates and replicates the innovative green public procurement (GPP) method ‘Scale Up’, in order to stimulate the uptake of circular, biobased, non-polluting, climate-resilient, and energy-positive innovations for artificial turf pitches, and - through transfer of the method - in other sectors.

Methodology

LIFE GREEN PITCHES will implement the Scale Up methodology to stimulate cooperation for innovation in the market for artificial turf pitches. This includes:

1. Drafting of ambitious common tender specifications.
2. Developing a monitoring tool.
3. Facilitating consortia to design their innovative sustainable solutions.
4. Applying these solutions in three prototype and three pilot locations.

This is coupled with an integral monitoring method and an evaluation of the applied innovations.

Expected Impacts

Application of innovations within the project will lead to several significant impacts, including:

• A reduction of 13,070 tonnes in the use of non-circular building material.
• A decrease of 11,592 kg of microplastics released into the environment.
• An area of 24,000 m² that is less vulnerable to climate change effects.
• An increase of 5,040,000 kWh per year in renewable energy production capacity.
• A reduction of 1,349 tonnes of CO2 by decreasing the use of virgin materials in construction.

Replication Goals

The LIFE GREEN PITCHES project places a high emphasis on the replication of the common tender specifications, monitoring tools, and other procurement documents for artificial turf pitches throughout the entire EU. The goal is to achieve at least 25 replication sites within 5 years, significantly increasing the positive environmental effects.

Sector Transfer

Furthermore, the project will transfer the GPP Scale Up method to other sectors where public buyers can spur sustainable innovation. These sectors include:

• Public buildings
• Mobility
• Infrastructure

Project Partners

Project partners Amsterdam, Haarlem, NV SRO, and PIANOo offer both the expertise and the networks (including the EU Urban Agenda on Public Procurement) to disseminate, exploit, and replicate the project’s results.