Buying Social – A Guide to Taking Account of Social Considerations in Public Procurement
The European Commission released a second edition of ‘Buying social: A guide to taking account of social considerations in public procurement’. The guide reflects developments having been put forward by the EU Public Procurement Directive of 2014. It provides guidelines for public buyers, including governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, on using public procurement to achieve social goals. It also explains how to set up a strategy for socially responsible public procurement (SRPP) and provides practical examples of best practices.
RREUSE is especially pleased that the new guide makes a reference to green and circular public procurement. The guidelines encourage public buyers to take into account that “social considerations can be combined with green and circular criteria and procurement of innovation for a more comprehensive approach to sustainability”. Provided that public purchases constitute 14% of the EU’s gross domestic product, social and green public procurement can act as a real catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development. Linking both the social and circular dynamics within public purchases could contribute to highlighting the social value of the circular economy not only by contributing to environmental goals, but also by serving as a driving force for local job creation.
For more information, please contact: Julija Kekstaite julija.kekstaite@rreuse.org
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