A Circular Economy for Public Authorities

A circular economy represents a key lever for public authorities to respond to environmental challenges (climate change, resource management that does not respect planetary limits, loss of biodiversity), while supporting the economic fabric of their region and creating local jobs. 

Public-sector figures have to provide an impetus in this respect. In the European Union, it is estimated that the purchase of public services, works and supplies accounts for 14% of the GDP*! By moving towards a circular economy, public procurement have the power to support environmentally-friendly, forward-looking companies. In addition, public-sector figures can thus show citizens and economic players the way to a greener, more local economy! 

To become circular, one of the main levers used by public authorities is to award contracts that incorporate various aspects of circularity. Opting for re-usable products, renovating a building with re-used materials, favouring the purchase of recycled or reconditioned goods, or leasing services rather than buying new goods are just some of the many ways through which public procurement can be made circular. Beyond public procurement, we can also pool and share resources, think about the maintenance of goods in order to extend their lifespan, re-sell unused equipment second-hand (when moving, for example) or optimise waste recycling.

You're convinced that it's a good idea to change your practices, particularly in terms of public purchasing, but you don't know which way to go?

Meetings with public authorities 

Several times a year, the Public service of Wallonia organises meetings between the purchasing departments of various Walloon public authorities in order to present and discuss circular public purchasing projects. They provide a creative and welcoming environment, fostering the emergence of new ideas and strengthening the professional network. 

Furthermore, once a year, the Public service of Wallonia organises a meeting between purchasing departments and service providers from the circular economy. This larger-scale event is the ideal opportunity to broaden your horizons and discover any new tenders on the market. For more information on the 2024 event, click here.

The event programme for 2024-2025 is currently being drawn up and will be released soon. 

Would you like to be kept informed of upcoming meetings? Don't hesitate to contact us now at economiecirculaire@spw.wallonie.be. By contacting us, you'll receive all the latest news about these networking initiatives.

This programme of events is organised with the support of the Walloon Recovery Plan.

Do you dream of setting up circular economy projects in your organisation, but you still need to work out how to proceed and find out about certain technical, economic and legal considerations before getting started?

Here are some of the different tools available to support public authorities in their circular purchasing:   

• The book by Cécile Van Oppen, Godard Croon and Dirk Bijl De Vroe entitled "Circular Procurement in 8 Steps" convincingly sets out the impact of circular purchases and describes the process in several stages. The book is aimed at all profile types and is accessible to novice readers.
• The Ellen MacArthur Foundation's interactive guide helps you to formulate questions that will encourage both you and your colleagues to rethink your approach. Each step of the process described in this guide is supported by examples and inspiring resources.
• The European Commission has also written its own guide entitled "Public Procurement for a Circular Economy". This guide succinctly presents various forms of circular contracts.
• Clauses and tools specific to each contract: this tool lists the various possible clauses for each type of contract (supplies, services or works).
• The thematic study on circular public purchasing commissioned by the Walloon Public Procurement Observatory. This study includes:
  • an analysis of six exemplary and innovative cases of circular public procurement;
  • a reflection on the transferability of the identified methods and good practices;
  • highlighted focal points, pitfalls and recommendations.
• Introducing circularity into public real estate projects: This document drafted by the SPI development agency offers considerations and recommendations to support circularity within real estate projects that require a public procurement procedure.

If you are interested in sustainable public purchasing more generally, the Public Service of Wallonia has written an extensive guide on how, as a contracting authority, you can incorporate environmental, social and governance considerations into your public procurement contracts. This resource is aimed in particular at people with a profile involving a legal role. 

So, your head is full of ideas, but you need some support in making your circular public purchasing project a reality?

There are several support mechanisms available, depending on the scope of your project and the level of help required.

The call for projects "Towards circular public procurement": support from economic, technical and legal experts until the end of 2025 (on application).

The Public service of Wallonia is offering operational support aimed at Walloon public authorities to assist them in adopting a public contract and politics that promotes the circular economy. 

The organisations selected will be able to benefit from free, personalised support from economic, legal and technical experts. This support will assist the organisations in question throughout their purchasing process: from defining their needs to selecting service providers and drafting the specifications and technical characteristics, as well as change management. 

All purchasing projects are eligible for this support package, except works contracts.

This initiative is organised with the support of the Walloon Recovery Plan.

Find out about the call for projects