Development of methodological foundations and working aids for climate protection and circular economy aspects in the public procurement practice

A shift towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns is essential for a sustainable development. Due to its market power, the public sector can develop a high potential for reducing the burden on the environment. The basis of the public procurement law to consider environmental and social aspects in public procurement processes is provided by the new regulations on environmentally friendly procurement in the Circular Economy Act, the Federal Climate Protection Act and the general administrative regulation on the procurement of climate-friendly services.

The research project “Development of methodological foundations and working aids for climate protection and circular economy aspects in public procurement practice” aims to support the implementation of these new regulations. Together with the Oeko-Institut, the IÖW is developing support services and decision-making aids that enable actors in the procurement practice to make purchasing more climate-friendly and/or in such a way that it is more oriented towards a circular economy.

The project team analyses climate protection and circular economy-oriented measures as well as their potential to relief environmental burdens for various product groups. Possible trade-offs are weighed against each other. On this basis, tender recommendations in accordance with procurement law are derived. The results are presented at conferences and summarized in handouts for procurers.