This briefing note outlines some of the key considerations and conditions for the use of performance-based specifications to encourage natural resource and energy efficiency.

There are environmental benefits associated with the procurement of services instead of, or in addition to, discrete products. Under the right conditions, transitioning to a more service-intensive purchasing model can reduce natural resource consumption in the production, use and disposal phases of product life cycles. Often financial savings can be realized too—even in the short term. For public procurers, who purchase goods, services and infrastructure on a significant scale, performance-based specifications are valuable tools with which to encourage such environmental and economic benefits.