Key Findings & Take-Aways of the 7th CSPF meeting Global Investment and Public Funding Context ▪
UN: SDGs
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EU: Taxonomy on Sustainable Activities ▪
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European Commission is likely to steer projects towards CO2 emission reduction focus.
Private: ESGs (to be replaced)
Possible City Government Roles Conforming to EU Taxonomy on Sustainable Activities: ▪
Developing frameworks to guide private sector investment and
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Defining “social return” linked to procurement
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1. Project tenders including social return
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2. Relevant indices for measuring social return
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3. Effective methods for evaluation/measuring these indices
Cooperative design of projects: ▪
Fostering cooperation among professionals while facilitating interface with citizens through merging front-offices
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Meeting with variety of entities, collaborative approach, to avoid repeat applicants (Trondheim experience)
Challenges with “greening and social return” ▪
City contracting from firms with established “social profile” can hurt competition, openness to new entities applying for tenders;
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Cumbersome social return section in tenders can lead greater need for consultants, so that funding goes to consultant sector rather than actual ends;
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Need to avoid green-washing and social-washing means city has to invest in thorough measuring/evaluation methods/staff; would need to be compensated by clear financial return;
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Rising costs associated with non-financial elements in tenders should not be incurred by citizenry, risk of reaction (the Gillet Jaune phenomenon);