Circular Minds in Action
Our partners have done a variety of activities across their regions, aiming to foster circular and sustainable practices in public procurement. From engaging with local stakeholders, to introducing the project's goals to their organisations and outlining their situational analysis. You can learn more from the below highlights:
City of Lund
The City of Lund recently held a workshop during one of the city’s innovation weeks, focused on creating a more efficient and circular approach to furniture organisation. Participants from various city departments involved in furniture reuse discussed the potential structure of a joint furniture organisation, including requirements for storage, IT systems, staffing, and transportation. The workshop's outcome was later presented to a group of potential users, and all gathered perspectives have now been consolidated into a preliminary study. For more information, please contact Elin Dalaryd at [email protected].
Junta de Andalucía
The Junta de Andalucía is conducting a detailed situational analysis as part of its involvement in the Circular Minds project. Following two smaller stakeholder meetings in July and September, primarily involving the regional circular economy department and the public waste management company in Córdoba, they are now gathering insights to guide future actions. Isla Cristina also contributed valuable lessons from their experiences with circular procurement, sharing both successes and challenges.
The next step will involve broader stakeholder engagement, with two additional meetings planned to bring in more diverse voices. These sessions will focus on aligning stakeholders with the project’s objectives and ensuring the inclusion of best practices in circular public procurement.
Rijkswaterstaat
Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) held its regional sustainability group meeting on 12 September, focusing on circular economy initiatives. The session shared a matrix and tools to track sustainability efforts, although participation is currently on a voluntary basis as some stakeholders are not officially part of the project yet. RWS is also holding bilateral discussions with non-governmental stakeholders to explore their potential involvement in the project.
RWS will conduct its situational analysis to better monitor progress within the organisation and ensure alignment with circular economy goals. Further efforts will focus on refining the approach and bringing more stakeholders on board.
Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority
Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY) hosted its first stakeholder meeting on 20 September, bringing together a committed group of member cities who will participate throughout the project's duration. The meeting introduced the project’s approach, allowing participants to discuss their shared development interests in the region. In addition to the larger group meetings, HSY has been conducting one-on-one meetings internally with colleagues to ensure the project’s objectives are integrated across its various departments.
Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission
The Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Alentejo) presented the Circular Minds project to regional stakeholders on 24 September, as part of the INTERREG Europe Programme. The online session outlined the project's objectives, planned investments, and key actions to promote circular and sustainable practices in public procurement, contributing to the region's circular economy goals.
Cleantech Bulgaria Foundation
Cleantech held its first stakeholder meeting with the Municipality of Kardzhali in October, introducing the circular economy project to local authorities. The meeting aimed to broaden the group of stakeholders by encouraging more business participation, expanding the project's scope. Cleantech will continue to build this stakeholder network in the coming months, as the project progresses.