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:

• Drafting of ambitious common tender specifications
• Development of a monitoring tool
• Facilitating consortia to design their innovative sustainable solutions
• Application of 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:

1. 13,070 tonnes reduction in the use of non-circular building material
2. Reduction of 11,592 kg of microplastics released into the environment
3. 24,000 m² area less vulnerable to climate change effects
4. 5,040,000 kWh per year increased capacity for renewable energy production
5. 1,349 tonnes of CO2 reduction by decreasing the use of virgin materials in construction

Replication and Transfer

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.

Furthermore, it will transfer the GPP Scale Up method to other sectors where public buyers can spur sustainable innovation, such as:

• Public buildings
• Mobility
• Infrastructure sector

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.