Learn and improve

Evaluating, identifying solutions, and sharing lessons learned

The evaluation of pilots, analysis of current challenges, and monitoring of outcomes forms the evidence-base to improve the circular public procurement process over time. Sharing lessons learned from the various stakeholders can help to identify solutions that can be implemented in future projects. Through these learnings, and by improving the process, your city government can raise its level of ambition over time and support suppliers and other businesses in their transition. The exchange of best practices across departments and cities can help to scale circular practices and inspire other city governments to accelerate their circular public procurement efforts.

Questions to consider:

• Following the implementation of a circular public procurement pilot or project, can you organise a debrief with colleagues from across departments and/or suppliers? + What contributed to the success of the pilot or project? + What were the challenges at the different stages (e.g. need assessment, market dialogues, contracting, contract management)? + Can you measure the impact of the pilot on the environment (e.g. pollution, waste, and emission reduction), society (e.g. number of jobs created), and the economy (e.g. cost savings)?

• What were the lessons learned from the pilots? What steps can your city government take to improve the circular public procurement process?

• Can you collaborate with local universities or research institutions to assess the outcomes of circular public procurement pilots?

• How can you share these learnings with relevant stakeholders, such as businesses, universities, and civil society in your municipality, as well as other cities and organisations?

Example

Lessons learned from circular procurement projects from across the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States have been collated in the Sustainable Procurement Platform Case Study Collection.

Resource

• The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s city self-assessment tool will support you in understanding specific solution areas to focus on. By taking part, you will be actively driving progress towards a thriving food system based on circular economy principles.