In the race to achieve Net Zero by 2050, public procurement stands as a powerful lever for driving climate action. Enter the Climate Proofing Digital Procurement Tool (CPDP) project —an innovative AI-powered, data-driven tool designed to embed climate-proofing principles and policies into purchasing decisions. CPDP is poised to revolutionise procurement processes by ensuring they are both resilient and sustainable. This innovative tool is supported by Innovate UK. 

Key Features of CPDP Tool 

1. AI-Driven Insights: CPDP offers AI predictive analytics to facilitate data-driven decision-making, streamlining the procurement process for both buyers and suppliers.
   
2. Dynamic Dashboards: Interactive visualisations provide real-time data on carbon emissions, trends, supplier performance metrics, and scoring. These dynamic dashboards empower stakeholders with actionable insights for informed decision-making.
   
3. Emissions Calculation: The tool automates emissions calculations using suppliers-provided data and emission factors, ensuring precision, consistency and transparency in reporting.
   
4. Sustainability Benchmarks: Comparative analyses enable buyers to evaluate suppliers based on their carbon reduction plans, commitments, certifications and environmental impact, fostering accountability and competition.
5. User-Centric Design: CPDP’s adaptable interface includes dynamic questionnaires, AI-driven Chatbot real time Q&A features, and customisable reports, catering to the diverse needs of public procurement professionals.

Why the CPDP Tool Project Matters?

Public procurement is a significant driver of economic and environmental impact, yet smaller authorities often face barriers like limited resources and expertise. The CPDP tool project addresses these challenges by simplifying processes, reducing administrative burdens, and fostering better collaboration between suppliers and buyers. It provides the tools to align procurement decisions with climate goals, ensuring that every purchase contributes to a sustainable future.

Looking Ahead

The CPDP tool aims to empower local councils and public authorities to adopt sustainable procurement practices and guides effectively. By embedding climate resilience into procurement, the CPDP tool fosters long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits, including healthier communities, promoted circular economy, reduced carbon footprints, and enhanced climate resilience.

CPDP  tool project has progressed toward its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and launched in early 2025, its aims and goal remains clear: to transform procurement into a cornerstone of climate action. Stay tuned and updated as this innovative digital tool advances the journey to Net Zero toward its goal of transforming public procurement into a powerful driver of climate action, redefining public procurement as a force for sustainability and innovation.