The European Commission has published a new set of tools for procurers (including local governments) to assess lifecycle costs during their tender procedures.

ICLEI Europe, together with Ecoinstitut has developed the lifecycle cost (LCC) tools on behalf of the European Commission, which are now available to use on the Commission’s Green Public Procurement website. The new tools including LCC analysis for procuring vending machines, imaging equipment, computers and monitors, indoor lighting and outdoor lighting.

Lifecycle costing is a practical approach to evaluate bids to determine the most economically advantageous offer. This process takes into account all costs that come with the purchase of different products, including maintenance and operation, and disposal. Under specific conditions (laid out in the EU directives), environmental externalities may also be taken into account when calculating a product's lifecycle costs. This process thereby allows procurers to award contracts for more sustainable products and services.

Click here to watch the LCC tools webinar, which includes an introduction to the tools and their practical applications.