The Big Buyers Programme uses public procurement as a way for cities and other large public buyers to influence what the market supplies. A European Commission initiative, it supports buyers in working together on strategic tenders so that shared demand can encourage more innovative and sustainable goods and services. Eurocities helps cities rethink purchasing decisions—for example, by including requirements that rubbish collection vehicles avoid unsustainable fuels. 1
The programme began with a pilot in 2019–2020, focused on circular construction materials, heavy-duty electric vehicles and zero-emission construction sites. Participants shared procurement plans and lessons, including tender criteria from pilot procurements. 1 In the 2020–2022 phase, Big Buyers for Climate and Environment continued work on several of those areas. Its zero-emission construction group produced factsheets for policymakers, businesses and citizens; the heavy-duty vehicle group issued a joint statement of demand and published a list of electric heavy-duty vehicles. 1
The current phase, Big Buyers Working Together, runs from 2023 to 2027. It brings public buyers together in ten Communities of Practice covering topics including circular construction, sustainable solar panels, mobility, digital procurement, social procurement and healthcare. 12 The groups exchange experience and market intelligence, engage with suppliers and develop procurement approaches suited to their sectors. 2 The project’s needs assessment drew responses from around 140 public authorities across the EU and European Economic Area, including ministries, agencies, municipalities, scientific institutes and hospitals. 11
The European Commission launched the current project in March 2023, with funding through EISMEA and management by Eurocities, ICLEI and BME. 10 Eurocities is based in Brussels, Belgium. 9