Circular public procurement is the process by which the public sector purchases products and services according to the principles of the circular economy. This is a powerful tool that city governments can use to shape the transition towards a circular economy. The framework is intended to support city governments to develop and shape their circular public procurement policies in a systemic way. It considers the entire use-cycle (from contracting to the end of use phase), climate change targets and effects on biodiversity, while encouraging local industry and business actors to scale up their circular economy initiatives.

Circular public procurement can support and promote the implementation and uptake of local Circular Systemic Solutions or their specific elements. This framework can help city governments to re-design public procurement and ultimately align their purchasing decisions with circular ambitions outlined in the local Circular Economy Action Plan.

Circular economy principles and criteria can be applied to purchase various products and services, such as buildings, furniture, food, and packaging. Through circular procurement, city governments can reconsider what they buy and how they buy to achieve the best desired outcomes. By focusing on outcomes and benefits rather than the products needed, city governments can leverage their purchasing power to build thriving, liveable, and resilient cities. For example, instead of procuring vehicle fleets, city governments may procure access to more sustainable mobility solutions that reduce congestion and air pollution.

The intention is not for the user to read this guide in full, but rather to read the framework overview and then jump to the relevant section/step using the menu bar on the left side. For each step, the user will find:
 

• Questions to help reflect on actions that the city or organisation might need to take throughout the procurement process. Not all questions will be relevant to every city and these questions are not exhaustive.
• Examples illustrating how other city governments from around the world have implemented certain elements of circular economy procurement activities, accompanied by links to explore them further. While some examples are not specifically about circular public procurement, they showcase relevant best practices.
• Resources, such as reports and guides produced by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and many other organisations, to help further explore the topic.