The concept of circular economy was born in the 60s and 70s, integrated as one more variable of ecology. Over the years, it has evolved to encompass a whole new way of producing, consuming and reusing.
Its link to recycling is probably its most universal application. Waste separation campaigns have been instrumental in permeating the message in society and laying the foundation for a concept that has been expanding. In fact, it is the basis for many public policies on environmental issues.
The efficient use of resources is essential to maintain a balance with the planet in all its aspects. From alternative energy sources to ways of relating and consuming. One example is what has happened in recent years in the mobility sector, with, on the one hand, the rise of electric and, therefore, efficient vehicles, and, on the other, platforms that make it possible to share journeys or vehicles.
Sharing economy platforms are contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint, increasing the efficiency of resources and extending their useful life, giving them a second or third life.
This approach must also be assumed by all the agents in the ecosystem, including, of course, the Administration. The inclusion of the circular economy perspective in procurement processes is key both to meet the environmental objectives set by Europe and worldwide, as well as the new trends that exist in the market and that society validates.
Novadays has launched the first collaborative forum for circular public procurement - Ecosystem for Circular Public Procurement (ECPC) - which assumes this perspective and promotes knowledge sharing and the creation of synergies beyond processes.
The Ecosystem for Circular Public Procurement and this article have been prepared in the framework of the project "Digital transformation of public procurement processes for the promotion of Circular Public Procurement" (EXP/EC/2023/00313), which is a beneficiary of the call for grants for the promotion of the Circular Economy in business for the year 2022 in the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU.