Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) is a vital tool for local governments seeking to prioritize sustainability and climate action. When implemented effectively, SPP can generate numerous social and economic benefits for communities related to fair wages, accessibility, social inclusion, employment rates, job growth, local innovation, and decreased life cycle costs.
In addition to learning the best practices for developing a sustainable procurement policy, participants in this cohort will learn about circular economy principles and criteria that apply to purchasing various goods and services, including buildings, public transport, furniture, food, and packaging. By adopting a more circular approach when advancing sustainable procurement practices, local governments open up new opportunities for economic growth and advancement.
This capacity-building cohort will benefit communities of all sizes and with all levels of experience with sustainable public procurement. By the end of the cohort, participants will have the skills to develop and implement a sustainable procurement policy with confidence. Procurement staff are strongly encouraged to participate in this cohort in addition to climate and sustainability staff.
ICLEI will provide participants with:
- Live, web-based sessions monthly for five months with accompanying virtual office hours
- Individualized assistance in developing SPP policies or updating existing policies
- Peer exchange and learning, including sustainable procurement and circular economy best practices from across the US
- ICLEI’s tools, templates, and other resources