SEMCo's procurement criteria contain suggestions for different environmental requirements that can be included in the call for tender. Environmental requirements are classified as follows:

A. Mandatory supplier requirements (selection criteria)
B. Mandatory requirements for the product (technical specification)
C. Award criteria
D. Contract performance clauses

Depending on specific requirements for a given product area, the above classification may vary in terms of occurance and extent.
In addition to the criteria document and associated reply forms, background information and other guidance are also available for the purchaser if required (in Swedish).

User information

The criteria documents are not intended to be used as complete attachments to be sent out together with the call for tender. Instead, the criteria should be used while considering specific need, objective and purchase. The user must adapt the layout, text etc to fit a specific template and remove those parts of the document that are not relevant to the call for tender. It is important to state how the bidder should respond to the criteria (i.e. by using the accompanying reply form or another form) and the verification (type of evidence) that should be provided.

three Levels

SEMCo has introduced three levels of environmental criteria (basic, advanced and spearhead). Hence, purchasers using the criteria will able to select an appropriate level for his or her purposes.

selection of product groups

SEMCo concentrates its work on developing criteria on environmental aspects. The goods, services and contracts which have the most effect on the environment from a quantitative environmental perspective, i.e. taking into account their environmental effect and volume, are given priority.

environmental basis

The 16 Swedish environmental quality targets, e.g. reduced climate impact, clean air and a non-toxic environment, form a basis for SEMCo's product criteria. Further aspects can, however, be covered if they are clearly associated with the environmental performance of the goods/service/contract concerned. Other important aspects, which are not associated with these, such as quality, safety and ergonomics, are not covered in the criteria.