- EIB publishes a Guidance Note integrating circular economy principles across the entire public procurement cycle.
- The note covers planning, tendering, contract management, and performance monitoring.
- The aim is to reduce waste, extend product lifespans, and support more sustainable markets.
- The Guidance Note provides practical tools and examples for public procurement officers.
Circular Public Procurement as a Tool for the Green Transition
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has published a Guidance Note aimed at helping public procurement practitioners integrate circular economy principles into their daily procurement practices. The note covers the entire procurement cycle — from early planning and market engagement through tendering to contract management and performance monitoring.
Objectives and Practical Application
Circular public procurement is a key tool for advancing the circular economy, reducing waste, and extending the lifespan of products and materials. The Guidance Note provides practical tools and concrete examples, enabling procurement officers to embed circularity at every stage of the process.
The overarching objectives of the Guidance Note are:
- To foster innovation in circular solutions
- To reduce the environmental impact of public procurement
- To support the development of more sustainable markets
Stages of the Procurement Process
The Guidance Note is structured around the core stages of public procurement:
- Early planning and market engagement
- Tendering
- Contract management
- Performance monitoring
Each stage is accompanied by practical tools and examples, enabling public authorities to operationalise circular principles in practice.
Sustainability in EU Financing
As the EU's investment bank, the EIB contributes to operationalising the circular economy in the public sector. The Guidance Note supports the broader EU strategy for sustainable development by giving public procurement officers concrete instruments to make circularity a permanent feature of the procurement process.