When it comes to public procurement and environmental sustainability, one of the most common questions we receive at our offices is: “Do you have CAM certification?”
This is a common question, but one that stems from a misunderstanding: there is no such thing as an actual “CAM certification.” The Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) are not a certificate or a label, but rather a set of technical and environmental requirements established by Italian law to make public procurement more sustainable.
To demonstrate compliance with the CAMs, you must submit the evidence required by the applicable criterion, which may include certifications issued by accredited third-party organizations. In this article, we explain what the CAMs are, which sectors they apply to, and which certifications can document the recycled content.
Why Minimum Environmental Criteria Are Mandatory in Public Procurement
Article 57, paragraph 2, of Legislative Decree 36/2023 requires that the technical specifications and contractual clauses contained in the applicable CAMs be included in the design and bidding documentation. For the construction sector, the relevant reference is the Ministerial Decree of June 23, 2022, published in the Official Gazette No. 183 of August 6, 2022.
- Objective: To reduce environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle of the project.
- Scope of application: design, new construction, renovations, maintenance, and construction products, within the limits defined by the applicable CAM.
Read the decree in the Official Gazette →
View the current CAMs on the MASE website →
Scopes of Application of CAMs
CAMs are used for various categories of work, products, and services. Among the most significant areas are:
| Category | Examples of Applications |
|---|---|
| Construction | Flooring, membranes, insulation, and finishes |
| Street Furniture and School Furniture | Benches, playground equipment, and playground safety surfacing |
| Cleaning and Hygiene | Cleaning Products and Sanitization Services |
| Public Green Spaces | Supply of Plants and Maintenance of Green Spaces |
| ICT and Electronics | Computers, printers, and electronic equipment |
| Energy and Facilities | Energy Services, HVAC, and Renewable Energy Sources |
| Road Infrastructure | Road Design, Construction, and Maintenance |
Self-Declaration and Compliance Checks
A simple self-declaration by the manufacturer is not sufficient when the applicable CAM requires certification, a test report, or another form of verification issued by a conformity assessment body. The documentation must correspond exactly to the product being offered and to the requirements specified in the specifications.
- Determine which CAM and which specific criterion apply to the supply.
- Check the test methods permitted by the decree and the specifications.
- Request valid certificates and test reports for the proposed product.
Certifications to verify the recycled content
The test method must be selected based on the CAM and the material in question. The methods listed in the various CAMs or used to certify the recycled content include:
| Diagram | Indicative Scope |
|---|---|
| REMADE® | Materials and products containing recycled content or by-products |
| Plastic Second Life (PSV) | Plastics |
| CSI Recycled Content | Plastics and Composites |
| Accredited Equivalent Certifications | Depending on the material and the applicable CAM criteria |
One of the most widely used certifications in Italy is REMADE®, which verifies the percentage of recycled material or by-products and the traceability of the supply chain. Because of these features, Casei Eco-System has chosen this certification scheme for some of its products.
Visit the official REMADE® website →
Our REMADE®-Certified Products
- ECO-FUN →: playground safety surfacing.
- ECO-WELLNESS →: rubber gym flooring for gyms and fitness centers.
Both product lines include items with a verified and traceable percentage of recycled material. Compliance with each individual bid must, however, be assessed in light of the CAM, the criteria, and the documentation required by the bid specifications.
It is therefore incorrect to speak generally of “CAM certification.” Those who participate in public tenders or supply materials to the government must be able to submit documents that comply with the applicable criteria and are issued by the entities specified in the decree.
Learn more about the REMADE® certification chosen by Casei →
FAQ on Minimum Environmental Criteria
What are CAMs, in a nutshell?
These are environmental requirements that contracting authorities must include in the bidding documents when an applicable CAM exists, in accordance with the Public Contracts Code.
Which products must comply with these requirements?
Products, works, and services falling under the categories governed by the CAM decrees, when they are the subject of a public procurement procedure to which the relevant criterion applies.
Is a self-declaration sufficient?
Not when the criterion requires third-party certification or a test report. The forms of evidence accepted by the CAM and the specifications must be carefully verified.
What certification can be used for recycled rubber?
REMADE® can certify the content of recycled materials or by-products and the traceability of the supply chain. Its suitability must be verified in accordance with the specific CAM and the tender requirements.
How can you verify that a product is compliant?
You must verify that the certificate or test report is valid, that the testing body is accredited, that the product is precisely identified, and that the minimum percentage required by the applicable criterion is met.