COMPANIES will lose out on key Government contracts if their fleets do not meet strict environmental guidelines. The Government, when looking at tenders, will be considering environmental impact as well as standards of quality, product performance, delivery and value for money.

The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has prepared an official document on 'Selling to Government', highlighting the 'green' criteria being set out for potential suppliers. Companies they may be asked to provide proof of steps being taken to minimise any impact on the environment before a contract is awarded and details may be requested on how they aim to further improve future environmental performance.

It's part of a more general crackdown on suppliers following the Government's 'green housekeeping policy statement'. This says: 'The Government is fully committed to playing its part in the preservation of natural resources and in the prevention of environmental pollution. We expect suppliers to show a similar concern for the environment in all that they do.'