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The document examines the transition from prescriptive to performance-based specifications in public procurement, specifically through Product Service Systems (PSS). It argues that by specifying required outcomes rather than technical inputs, governments can stimulate private sector innovation, reduce natural resource consumption, and lower costs. While highlighting the potential for circularity and the success of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), the text cautions that environmental benefits depend on the specific product category and the operational characteristics of the business model used.

The report finds that current algal biofuel technologies are not yet economically or environmentally superior to fossil fuels, citing low energy return on investment (EROI) and high greenhouse gas emissions. While theoretical yields are high, large-scale commercialization is estimated to be years or decades away. The document argues that viability depends on integrating production with wastewater treatment, industrial flue gas for CO2, and the development of marine algae strains via molecular engineering to reduce freshwater and land demands.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) asserts that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has failed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily because it has functioned as a mandate for corn ethanol. CATF argues that EPA's lifecycle analyses are flawed by relying on hypothetical 2022 production scenarios and ignoring current indirect land use change (ILUC) and the 'global rebound effect.' The document claims that cumulative GHG emissions from corn ethanol produced between 2010 and 2015 are 28% higher than those from gasoline. Furthermore, it states that the RFS contributes to global food insecurity by diverting crops and driving land conversion in tropical countries. CATF suggests transitioning to zero-carbon mobility fuels, such as ammonia, electricity, and synthetic hydrocarbons, rather than relying on biofuels.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) argues that US corn ethanol's lifecycle GHG emissions are significantly higher than EPA estimates. By shifting the analysis period to 2010-2044, CATF finds that corn ethanol emissions are approximately 28% higher than gasoline. The paper further examines scenarios where the shortfall in cellulosic biofuel production is filled by other fuels, finding that allowing sugarcane ethanol imports or additional corn ethanol would substantially increase total CO2 emissions.

The document details the environmental footprint of geothermal power, distinguishing between hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal systems. It highlights that while closed-loop systems minimize air emissions and water contamination, open-loop systems release gases like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. The text notes that geothermal energy has significantly lower life-cycle global warming emissions than coal or natural gas, though it can be associated with land subsidence and increased earthquake frequency.

The document examines the environmental footprint of wind power, noting that while it is a clean energy source, it has specific impacts on land use, wildlife, and local communities. It highlights that land-based facilities in the US use between 30 and 141 acres per megawatt, though permanent disturbance is less than 1 acre per megawatt. Wildlife impacts, particularly bird and bat collisions, are described as relatively low and manageable through better siting and operational adjustments. Public health concerns regarding sound and vibration have not been found to have adverse effects in studies from Canada and Australia. Finally, the document notes that wind power's life-cycle global warming emissions (0.02 to 0.04 pounds of CO2e/kWh) are significantly lower than those of natural gas or coal.

The document argues that the long-term nature of PPPs often makes it difficult for governments to adapt contracts to evolving sustainability priorities. It proposes a 'health check' framework based on a triple bottom line—economic, environmental, and social sustainability—to guide the review and renegotiation of existing agreements. Using the UK's transition from PFI to PF2 as a context, it suggests mechanisms like 'invest to save' and gain-share provisions to enhance value-for-money and environmental performance. It also highlights the importance of life-cycle assessments (LCA) and ethical labor standards in ensuring the long-term viability and social acceptance of infrastructure projects.

The research introduces a modelling framework combining the NGAUGE field-scale model and a new LANDDAIRY farm-scale submodel to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Basque dairy farms. A case study of 17 farms in Bizkaia found mean total GHG emissions of 385 ± 175 t CO2-eq yr-1, with emissions per litre of energy-corrected milk ranging from 0.86 to 2.11 kg CO2-eq. The study identifies methane from enteric fermentation and emissions from purchased feed as the primary contributors to the carbon footprint, suggesting that purchased feed can serve as a proxy for estimating total farm emissions.

The document argues that current climate policies focus too heavily on the demand side, allowing fossil fuel exporting countries to increase production with little impact on their own territorial emissions accounts. It proposes 'extraction-based emissions accounting', which attributes CO2 emissions to the country where fuels are extracted, as a way to promote producer responsibility and identify economic vulnerabilities. The brief notes that countries heavily dependent on high-carbon exports face risks of 'stranded' assets if global demand declines, as projected in some IEA scenarios. Additionally, it suggests integrating life-cycle assessments (LCA) to account for varying upstream emissions, such as those from Canadian oil sands, which can be significantly higher than conventional crude.

The document evaluates COP 18 as a procedural success for securing a second Kyoto Protocol commitment period and advancing the Durban Platform, but as a failure regarding concrete progress on mitigation, financing, and the post-2020 agreement architecture.

The report analyzes the steel sector's transition to a low-carbon future, noting that while current carbon pricing (like the EU ETS) has had limited impact on plant location and investment, deeper emissions cuts will require breakthrough technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS). It emphasizes the need for collaborative research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) and suggests a 'coalition of the willing' among major steel-producing nations to maintain competitiveness while decarbonizing.

The cement sector is a major global CO2 source, with emissions projected to reach 4.0 Gt by 2030. While emissions intensity is declining due to the adoption of best available technology (BAT) and alternative fuels, these gains are offset by rising production volumes, particularly in China. The report argues that current carbon pricing, such as the EU ETS, is insufficient to drive the breakthrough technologies needed for a low-carbon future, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and new low-carbon cement forms. It suggests that a combination of public-private financing, revised building standards, and Border Carbon Adjustments (BCAs) is necessary to prevent carbon leakage and incentivize deep decarbonization.

The study evaluates the greenhouse gas emissions of various biodiesel and bio-ethanol feedstocks compared to fossil fuels. It finds that waste cooking oil and sugarbeet offer the highest emissions savings, but the current feedstock mix would require a 23.8% market share by 2020 to meet the LCTP's 6% emissions saving goal.

The Sao Paulo State Government has integrated sustainability into its public procurement through the Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) Program, utilizing electronic tools like the BEC/SP and the Socio-Environmental Label to influence the purchase of goods and services. The program emphasizes the internal preparatory phase of procurement, incorporating socio-environmental criteria into technical specifications and catalogs. While the state has achieved significant economic savings through electronic reverse auctions and increased the use of sustainable goods, challenges remain in contract monitoring, life cycle analysis, and the integration of construction works into the SPP framework.

The Government of the State of Sao Paulo has integrated sustainability into its public procurement through a combination of electronic systems, a socio-environmental labeling system, and specialized training for public servants. The program emphasizes the use of standardized technical specifications for goods and services to ensure sustainability without compromising the transparency and efficiency of electronic reverse auctions. While the state has seen an increase in the purchase of labeled green goods and has successfully implemented timber legality controls, challenges remain in applying these standards to complex construction works and conducting full life cycle analyses of products.

The document examines the State of São Paulo's approach to integrating environmental, social, and economic criteria into public procurement. It details the use of the 'Selo Socioambiental' (Socio-Environmental Seal) to identify sustainable products in the electronic procurement system (BEC/SP) and the standardization of sustainable requirements for outsourced services via the Cadterc system. The report highlights the role of electronic auctions (pregão eletrônico) in increasing efficiency and reducing costs, while noting challenges in contract monitoring and the need for life-cycle analysis in product selection.

The briefing proposes the concept of 'life-cycle characteristics' to allow public procurement authorities to legally account for non-physical product attributes, such as fair trade or sustainable sourcing, during the bidding process. It argues that the European Commission's current proposal is insufficient to eliminate legal uncertainty regarding whether social factors and specific production processes can be used as technical specifications. Drawing on case law like the North Holland case, the document asserts that social and environmental impacts should be treated equally and linked to the subject matter of the contract across all stages of a product's life cycle.

The document analyzes three types of voluntary standards—sustainable-management, carbon-footprinting, and voluntary carbon-offset standards—evaluating their capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture and forestry. It argues that while each approach has distinct strengths and weaknesses, their potential for climate mitigation can be maximized through cross-fertilization and hybrid strategies, particularly to support producers in the developing world.

The report finds that King County's 2008 emissions were 23.4 million MTCO2e via geographic accounting and 55 million MTCO2e via consumption accounting. Transportation and buildings are the primary local sources, while consumption-based emissions are driven by imported goods and services. The report recommends a 'Core' tracking framework focusing on buildings, transportation, and waste.

The document analyzes the global wood products value chain, projecting a significant increase in wood removals by 2050, primarily driven by bioenergy. It evaluates the environmental footprints of wood versus alternative materials, the role of recycling and efficiency in reducing virgin fibre demand, and the potential for sustainable production through managed natural forests and tree plantations. The report emphasizes the importance of secure land rights for indigenous peoples and the role of credible certification, specifically FSC, in ensuring sustainable forest management.