The CO₂ Performance Ladder is currently being implemented in seven countries. To support effective implementation, SKAO collaborates closely with local partners, who lead its introduction and dissemination at the national level. In Portugal, a new training programme is helping contracting authorities strengthen their capacity for Green Public Procurement (GPP). Developed by SKAO’s Portuguese partner Aliados, the programme supports public authorities and other stakeholders in building knowledge and practical skills for sustainable procurement. 

A training programme developed with national experts

Aliados designed the training together with the Portuguese government and benefited from contributions from Dr. Paulo Magina, head of the Infrastructure and Public Procurement Division at the OECD, and Dr. Paula Trindade, PhD, coordinator of the Green Public Procurement Unit (ECO360) at eSPap. The programme highlights the importance of GPP and introduces practical tools such as the CO₂ Performance Ladder. It also demonstrates how the use of these tools contribute directly to the objectives of ECO360 – the National Green Public Procurement Strategy – and to the Decarbonisation Strategy for the Economy.

Participants putting sustainable procurement into practice

In total, more than 30 contracting authorities have already participated in the programme’s two editions. Each edition included around 40 hours of training and specialised mentoring, with direct access to legal experts as well as specialists in strategic and innovative procurement. Participating organisations included, among many others, Porto Ambiente, LIPOR and the Directorate-General for Economic Activities (DGAE). 

One of the participants, E-Redes (EDP Group) – a Portuguese electric utilities organisation – summarised the impact of the training as follows:  

“The START training provided EDP with an in-depth and practical understanding of how to integrate new ESG criteria oriented towards decarbonisation. This experience was fundamental in enriching our engagement with the value chain and strengthening our sustainability practices.”

Growing demand for green public procurement

The programme responds to a clear and growing demand, reflecting the increasing attention to GPP in Portugal as well as the Portuguese government’s ambition to further advance sustainable public procurement. In 2025, Aliados organised two editions of the training, and additional sessions have already been scheduled for 2026. The training is offered free of charge. 

Supporting Portugal’s climate ambitions through procurement

More than a stand-alone initiative, the programme represents a strategic investment in long-term capacity building within the Portuguese public procurement ecosystem. It demonstrates how a practical GPP tool like the CO₂ Performance Ladder can support the implementation of national climate policies while positioning Portugal as part of a broader European effort to use public procurement as a driver for decarbonisation. 

Applications for the next edition are now open

To learn more about the programme and how to apply, visit the Aliados webpage: CO₂PL Portugal – Aliados Consulting,