Means of transport create a whole series of problems: noise, traffic congestions, accidents, air pollution and waste. They use a large part of energy and resources, big land plots, can create obstacles for the planning of cities. The contracting authority defining the requirements for the transport means should give priority to the efficient transport. The requirements could be related with the usage, production and delivery of the energy needed for the vehicle to drive, and the proper waste management. The most important requirements are those that promote low CO2 emission, low level of noise and the production of energy saving vehicles.

            Before purchasing the vehicles, the following questions should be answered in order to choose the optimal decision:

• Are there alternatives for transport by car?
• Are the users aware of the environmental impacts?
• Are cars to be bought, rented or leased?

If the need for buying still exists, the contracting authority should determine the number of cars to be acquired based on an accurate utilization analysis or consider car sharing (at least among interdependent organizations, e.g. a local authority and its schools, hospitals etc.). When purchasing busses, the following should be taken into account:

·        Determine the number of buses to be acquired based on an accurate utilization analysis;

·        Consider carefully the size of these buses (mini- and mid-sized buses are usually less polluting);

·        The possibility to buy busses using alternative fuel (ethanol, natural gas, etc.) or various technologies (electric or hybrid power systems).

The production phase of vehicles is very complex, but considering the whole life-cycle of vehicles the most damaging environmental impacts occur in the usage phase. The energy and chemicals used in the production phase is relatively low. When purchasing vehicles the contracting authority should pay attention to the following aspects:

·        Use of fossil fuels: there are several potential impacts of extraction, such as oil spills, atmospheric emissions (gas leaks, etc);

·        CO2 emissions;

·        Emission in the air of harmful substances: this depends on the type of fuel needed and the type of vehicle;

·        Noise: this depends on the type of tyres and engines utilised.

In order to reduce the impact on the environment after the whole cycle of vehicles ends, you could require that a part of vehicle’s components is recycled or the new vehicle is made from recycled components.

While purchasing passenger vehicles (light vehicles, busses) and related transport services, the contracting authorities can use criteria provided by the Order No D1-697 of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, which came into force on 1 January, 2008:

·        Light vehicles using liquid propane - butane gas or other natural gas fuel;

·        Efficient usage of fuel (for new vehicles): for diesel motors – not more than 6 l/100 km, petrol motors not more than 7,4 l/100 km;

·        Satisfy Euro 4 standards for pollution emission;

·        Plastic parts are marked as suitable for recycling;

·        While demounting old vehicles, there is a possibility to separate parts having harmful substances for the environment;

·        The supplier providing services related with passenger vehicles (light vehicles, busses) has implemented an environment management system (EMAS, ISO 14001, etc.).

The analogical criteria can be applied for the vehicles while purchasing services for passenger transportation.

            You can also use criteria provided by the eco-label “Blauer Engel” (http://www.blauer-engel.de) for the procurement of vehicles. While determining the criteria for vehicles tyres you could use criteria provided by the eco-label Nordic “Swan” (http://www.swanen.nu/DocEng/066e.pdf). These criteria limit the effect on the environment when producing and using tyres.