Chapter 14 - How to advance sustainable and circular economy-oriented public procurement—A review of the operational environment and a case study from the Kymenlaakso region in Finland

Abstract

Circular economy (CE) is a major focus area at the EU level and in Finland. Sustainable, green and socially responsible public procurement are among the key focus areas in the advancement of CE including new circular public procurement development. CE and sustainable development goals are intertwined and sustainability management and assessment encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions are essential focus areas. Cities and municipalities are facing many challenges such as climate change, waste, and emissions, and sustainable and CE oriented public procurement can play a major role in addressing them. This study addressed sustainable and CE oriented public procurement through a review of the operational environment and a case study from the Kymenlaakso region in Finland. The results indicate, for example, that the most important next steps for the development of sustainable and circular economy oriented public procurement include focus on recycling, reuse, refurbishment, and remanufacturing of products, components, and materials, incorporation of sustainability and circular economy issues into local policy, strategy, and goals, focus on the life cycle, use/working life and sustainability of products, components, and materials, and national recyclability requirement for packages and plastics to promote their reuse as raw materials or products. Construction and buildings, waste management and recycling, and energy were the main areas/fields that offer the best opportunities to promote sustainable and circular economy-oriented procurement in the future. The reduction of food waste, wind and solar power, public transport, LED lightning, updating of old buildings and spaces, and remote access were the main measures to combat climate change that could be future elements of sustainable and circular economy-oriented public procurement.