PUBLIC PROCUREMENT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA IN POLISH CONSTRUCTION: POLICY AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Purpose:The purpose of this paper is to identify the main challenges in the functioning of the Polish public procurement market, with particular emphasis on the use of environmental criteria in construction procurement.The paper aims to assess the extent to which the current regulatory framework supports sustainable development objectives through Green Public Procurement (GPP).Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a desk research approach combining a review of literature, legal analysis, and an examination of official statistical data from 2021-2023.It focuses on the practical application of selected provisions of the Public Procurement Law (PPL) that enable the incorporation of environmental aspects into the procurement of construction works. Findings:The analysis shows a gradual increase in the number and value of construction contracts with environmental elements.However, the share of GPP in the total number and value of public contracts remains low.Article 101 PPL, which requires a clear and precise description of the subject matter, is the most frequently used.Provisions such as Article 116 (environmental management systems), Article 242 (life-cycle costing), and Article 245 (nonprice criteria) are rarely applied, indicating an underutilized potential to promote sustainability and innovation. Research limitations/implications:The study is limited to data from 2021 to 2023 due to inconsistencies in data classification in previous years.Further research is needed to explore the organizational, procedural, and institutional factors that influence GPP implementation.Practical implications: The findings point to the need for improved institutional support, training, and legal clarity to facilitate broader and more consistent use of environmental criteria in public procurement, particularly in the construction sector.Social implications: Greater use of GPP can help achieve environmental policy goals, promote sustainable construction practices, and positively influence public attitudes toward environmental responsibility.Originality/value: This paper provides one of the first comprehensive assessments of green procurement in Polish construction based on empirical data.It offers new insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners involved in sustainable public procurement.