In Friesland, public authorities are boldly moving from words to action in the transition to a circular economy. With a collective purchasing volume of €1.5 billion annually, the Frisian governments hold significant power to shape markets, foster sustainable innovation, and drive regional economic resilience. Circular procurement is not only about what is bought—but how and why. Frisian authorities understand that their procurement and contracting practices can serve as a powerful engine for change — boosting local business, creating future-fit jobs, and accelerating the transition to a regenerative economy. And they’re doing it together. 

To steer this change, a new shared definition of circular procurement was developed in close collaboration with the Frisian governments—more ambitious, more forward-thinking, and fully aligned with regional values. A product is considered circularly procured when: 

- It shows technical and material improvements (e.g., in energy use, resource efficiency, or material reuse), 

- There are process-based agreements in place to safeguard circularity over time, 

- Financial incentives are used to actively encourage circular outcomes. 

But Friesland goes further. While the core focus of the 2024–2026 program remains on materials and energy, public buyers are also encouraged to identify and act on opportunities that improve other aspects of a circular economy. This broader interpretation is in line with the 7 Pillars of the Circular Economy, as defined and embraced by Vereniging Circulair Friesland. These pillars recognize that circularity is not only about loops and lifecycles — but also about people, places, and long-term prosperity. 

Friesland sets the standard for circular procurement 

Since 2019, the Frisian governments have laid strong foundations, including: 

- Defining shared ambitions and a unified definition 

- Developing tools like checklists and practical guides 

- Establishing the Frisian Circular Procurement Academy 

- Setting up monitoring systems 

- Creating a working group of public servants 

- Launching impactful circular projects like It Swettehûs, Sports Hall "De Drait", and the renovation of the Leeuwarden municipal office with reused materials 

Now, with the program for Circular Contracting & Procurement 2024–2026, Friesland is moving to scale and accelerate. This is the moment to shift from pilots to practice, and from innovation to implementation. 

To truly make circular procurement the new standard, a mindset shift is required—one that reaches every layer of public administration. Not just procurement teams, but also policy staff, department heads, municipal executives, and elected councils must prioritize and invest in this transition. 

That’s why the Circle of Municipal Secretaries in Friesland has officially endorsed the program and committed to backing it with capacity and funding. A group of ambassadors from this circle will now lead the effort within their own organizations—sharing best practices, inspiring peers, and helping secure long-term impact. These ambassadors play a crucial role in translating strategy into practice and ensuring circular procurement becomes a living culture, not just a checklist.

The Frisian Circular Procurement Academy 

To support this shift, the Frisian Circular Procurement Academy offers tailored training — from basic courses to multi-day programs and advanced masterclasses. These help civil servants understand not just the theory of circular procurement, but also how to apply it in real-life tenders. Public buyers regularly meet suppliers at market days and through joint procurement efforts for categories like workwear, office furniture, and street furnishings. This regional coordination creates consistency, boosts confidence among suppliers, and generates economies of scale. The goal? To make Friesland one of the leading regions in Europe for circular economic development. By aligning procurement with regional sustainability goals and the 7 pillars of circular value, the Frisian governments are not just buying differently—they are building a better future for their citizens, their economy, and the planet.