Scaling the implementation of circular economy requirements in public procurement for construction projects

Purpose This study aims to explore how municipalities incorporate circular requirements into construction project procurement processes. The aim is to identify practical strategies that support circular implementation in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative approach based on a case study and semi-structured interviews with Swedish public purchasers, the research moves from a complex landscape of barriers to circular public procurement to identify actionable practices to overcome them. Findings The findings show that while the implementation of circular public procurement for construction projects remains in its infancy in Sweden, municipalities are starting to adopt strategies to align procurement practices with circular principles. These strategies include internal alignment, education and training activities, stronger dialogue and collaboration networks and clear formulation of the circular requirements while keeping adherence to legal principles. Findings underscore the pivotal role of procurement departments in translating environmental goals into actionable procedures and the importance of strategic, context-specific approaches in project-based construction settings. Social implications It offers transferable insights for municipalities operating within similar procurement frameworks and expands the discussion on how public authorities can function as drivers of institutional innovation for sustainable urban development. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing literature on the circular economy in the construction sector, focusing on the implications of this implementation on public procurement processes, a high-impact but underexplored research area.