Circular procurement in the Province of Zeeland: ‘As a purchaser, you are influential. You determine the demand and therefore the direction.’

Sustainability is not an abstract concept in Zeeland, but a daily priority. The Province of Zeeland is actively working on making its procurement process more sustainable, with innovative platforms, collaboration with market parties plus measurable results. We spoke with Martin Scherpenisse, Head of Procurement, and Britt Scheele, Procurement Advisor, about their approach.

What is your vision of sustainability and circularity in the Province of Zeeland?

‘As the Province of Zeeland, we want our procurement to have a positive impact. By linking procurement to our economic policy, we are making circular procurement a structural part of our strategy. In this way, we encourage sustainable choices and contribute to economic growth. This approach strengthens our position in discussions with budget holders and process owners, because we are working together towards the greater goal: a circular and sustainable future. Through transparency and cooperation, we ensure that this policy is widely supported within the organisation.

By linking procurement to our economic policy, we are making circular procurement a structural part of our strategy.

Martin Scherpenisse

What exactly do you do?

‘We started working with our policy officers who wanted to put circularity on the agenda. We actively seek circular opportunities, particularly in infrastructure and construction projects, because this is where one can make a big impact. The construction sector in Zeeland has an extensive knowledge and innovation network, including architects and housing associations, to consider how we can build in a circular way. We are currently looking at each project individually: where are the opportunities and what suits the market?

What were your biggest challenges?

‘In the beginning, there was little understanding of the relationship between procurement and sustainability. We were lacking data and found it difficult to identify truly sustainable solutions in the market. In addition, there were many different types of indicators for measuring circularity – no fewer than 169 in total – which made it difficult for us to compare or to steer. We also noticed that the supply chains offered little transparency. But we did not let that discourage us. On the contrary, we saw it as an opportunity to do things differently.’

How did you deal with that?

‘To make circular procurement concrete and measurable, we developed two platforms: MVI-platform.nl and biobasedinkopen.nl. The MVI platform is a tool for providing insight into the effects of circular procurement. The MVI platform contains spreadsheets that calculate the impact of procurement. Suppliers provide their own data for this purpose, which is checked in the spreadsheets to ensure that the results are reliable.

The biobasedinkopen.nl (NL) platform helps purchasers, contractors and suppliers to find circular biobased products. Together with three other provinces, Avans University of Applied Sciences and Performis, we developed an overview of more than 1,500 products that are randomly tested for circularity and biobased properties.

We were the first province to include a separate sustainability section in our 2025 budget, clarifying our contribution to the Raw Materials Agreement for the Provincial Council. This way, the impact achieved through circular procurement and the steps we are taking is also shown in our annual accounts.

We have started by making our efforts visible. We were the first province to include a separate section on our contribution to the Raw Materials Agreement in our budget and annual report.

Britt Scheele

What results have you achieved?

‘In 2023, our circular procurement saved 12 million kilograms of primary raw materials, accounting for 59% of our total consumption in areas such as our vehicle fleet, furniture and electricity. The figures for 2024 show even better results. “In 2024, our circular procurement saved a total of 2.9 million kilograms (kg) of CO² emissions and 31.3 million kg of primary materials. This makes our impact visible and keeps us motivated to continue.’

In 2023, our circular procurement saved 12 million kilograms of primary raw materials, accounting for 59% of our total consumption in areas such as our vehicle fleet, furniture and electricity.

Martin Scherpenisse

Can you give us a case study?

‘A good example is the Field Station we had built. It started with a simple question: can we procure this in a circular way? The station, intended for research and monitoring of migratory birds in a Natura 2000 area, had to be sustainable and functional. We opted for Best Value Procurement: a tender in which we asked the market to come up with the best proposal. It was a success. The contractor actively contributed ideas: using mooring posts from Vlissingen, second-hand kitchen fittings, windows from old greenhouses and local plants for the facades. Even an owl box was built – designed especially for the fact that an owl was living in the neighbourhood.

The results are impressive: 99.9% of the shell is made from recycled materials. The facades are environmentally friendly, the roof is suitable for nesting birds, all energy comes from solar panels and 100% of waste is recycled. Inside, the walls are made from local poplar wood.

Do you have any tips for purchasers?

– Dare to start. ‘As a purchaser, you have influence. You determine the demand and therefore the direction. You do not always know how to compare products or what the best alternative is, but do not wait until everything is perfect. Dare to start, make mistakes, learn as you go. By continuing to experiment, learn and innovate, together we can lay the foundations for a future-proof procurement policy.’

– Start small. ‘Ask about a biobased alternative. Use the tools that are already available on PIANOo and the VCI, for example. Invite your supplier for a meeting and ask about circular options. Suppliers often turn out to be capable of more than you think. Start with one contract, one pilot. You will see that the market thinks along with you and goes along with you.’

– Make your impact visible. ‘Include the results in your budget and annual report. Make your results visible, even if it is just in one project. And share them to inspire those around you.’

Start small. Ask about a biobased alternative and use the tools that are already available. Start with one contract, one pilot.

Britt Scheele