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ABSTRACT

Green public procurement (GPP) is a key policy instrument for promoting sustainable development and supporting the transition to a circular economy. It contributes to more efficient resource use, environmentally responsible consumption, and innovation in public service delivery. Municipalities play a crucial role in this process, as their procurement decisions influence market behavior and help implement both the European Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12.7. This study presents a case study of Latvia and is based on municipal survey data collected in 2018 and again in 2025. The research identifies product and service categories where GPP has been applied and highlights that municipalities mainly implement it when legally mandated. Based on surveys from 2018 and 2025, regulatory obligation remains the key driver. Although the shortage of procurement specialists has decreased, challenges like insufficient support tools, weak managerial involvement, and limited guidance persist. The findings emphasize the need for stronger institutional support and policy action to shift GPP from a compliance measure to a strategic sustainability tool.

Keywords: green public procurement, sustainable development, circular economy, European Green Deal, SDG 12, Latvian municipalities, public governance

INTRODUCTION

Green Public Procurement (GPP) is recognised as an important tool for sustainable development of state and local governments and can reduce environmental pressures through the application of GPPs. [1] It is important that GPPs are also recognised as a driving force for market development towards a circular economy. On average, annual public procurement accounts for 14% of the EU gross domestic product, which is a very large financial volume. Consequently, smart public procurement can make a significant contribution to climate objectives, sustainable development, the promotion of the circular economy and the efficient use of resources. [1] [2]. The main aspect of GPP is the use of environmentally friendly products and services throughout their lifecycle, from the production stage, logistics and use respectively, to their recycling or disposal. [3]. The procurement process takes into account not only financial aspects but also energy efficiency, CO: emissions, the use of renewable resources, waste reduction [4].

The principles of GPP are governed by a number of international instruments, in particular at European Union, United Nations and OECD level. Within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), GPP are...

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