‘Eco-procurement’ is already a key concept for operators, manufacturers and policy- makers, not least because railway rolling stock is often used for 30 years or more. Adherence to strict environmental performance specifi cations, including energy effi ciency, noise, diesel-exhaust emissions and recycling, must be considered when rail suppliers submit tenders. Eco-procurement was highlighted in the UIC’s leafl et ‘Environmental specifi cations for new rolling stock’, published in 2006 after a wide-ranging consultation with the supply industry and rolling-stock manufacturers. This is in line with the Commission’s proposal to ensure that green criteria, including life-time costs for energy consumption, and.
