Division 1 Member States and managing authorities shall, in all phases of implementation, ensure the full mainstreaming of sustainable development into support for rural development, respecting the principle of sustainable development ..., as well as complying with the obligation to integrate environmental protection requirements ... and the polluter pays principle ....F1F2F3F4F5

Managing authorities shall undertake actions throughout the programme lifecycle, to avoid or reduce environmentally harmful effects of interventions and ensure results in net social, environmental and climate benefits. Actions to be undertaken may include the following:

1. (a)

   directing investments towards the most resource-efficient and sustainable options;

2. (b)

   avoiding investments that may have a significant negative environmental or climate impact, and supporting actions to mitigate any remaining impacts;

3. (c)

   taking a long-term perspective when 'life-cycle' costs of alternative options for investment are compared;

4. (d)

   increasing the use of green public procurement.