ChemClimCircle-2: Driving Green Public Procurement Transformation Across the Baltic Sea Region

The ChemClimCircle-2 (CCC2) project has achieved significant milestones in its first six months (March–August 2025), laying the groundwork for transforming Green Public Procurement (GPP) practices across the Baltic Sea Region. We are excited to announce the progress made during the first six months toward sustainable procurement.

Major initiative launched to improve adoption of Green Public Procurement in Baltic Sea Region  

The ChemClimCircle-2 (CCC2) project launched with a successful kick-off meeting in Riga (March 19-21, 2025) and has achieved remarkable progress in its first six months, establishing a solid foundation for transforming green public procurement across 8 countries in the Baltic Sea Region. With 22 project partners and 23 associated organizations mobilized from Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Latvia and Poland, the initiative will develop CCC-2 approach for launching, implementing and monitoring impact of Green Public Procurement. CCC-2 is continuation of well-received CCC, implemented in 2024.  

Strategic Foundation Established 

Following the Riga launch, the consortium delivered its cornerstone Scoping Report (D1.1), providing the strategic roadmap for integrating climate, circularity, and chemicals reduction in public procurement. Based on responses from 20 municipalities and regional authorities, the report identified key implementation barriers and refined the CCC-2 concept framework representing diverse transnational challenges. 

Engaging and Mobilizing Target Groups 

CCC-2 successfully engaged its primary target groups – local, regional and national public authorities – through comprehensive surveys and workshops involving 20 partners and associated organizations. Initial roundtable discussions and online events in Helsinki, Stockholm, and Vilnius brought together stakeholders from public and private sectors, promoting dialogue and collaboration essential for pilot implementation and capacity building. 

Operational Solutions Taking Shape 

Partners achieved significant milestones in developing operational procurement solutions. The innovative CCC Matrix tool was refined into a question-based format and expanded with circularity aspects, enabling systematic assessment of procurement practices at strategic, organizational, and operational levels. 12 implementing partners completed comprehensive evaluations, identifying common development needs including systematic follow-up of CCC criteria and enhanced integration of climate, chemicals (including hazardous substances) and circularity considerations. CCC-2 aims to develop easy to use, yet impactful tools to support organization seeking to adopt GPP or to increase their green ambitions.  

Innovative Monitoring Concept Advanced 

Lithuania’s advanced GPP monitoring dashboard was selected as the foundation for developing the project’s innovative monitoring concept. The Lithuanian dashboard uses quantitative information to display GPP monitoring indicators. The dashboard was recognized as the most advanced approach among partners, enables tracking of contract types, procurement procedures, and specific GPP criteria application. This best practice example provides a scalable model for monitoring CCC-2 approach implementation across all procurement stages. 

Environmental Impact Assessment Framework Launched 

A core expert group formed from five partners developed the foundation for an easy-to-use environmental impact assessment scheme. Through bi-weekly coordination meetings, the team analyzed current tools across BSR countries and frontrunner nations (Netherlands, Austria), identifying 11 qualitative and quantitative GPP support tools. The framework prioritizes approaches ensuring both accessibility for beginner and new ambition opportunities for advanced organizations, while ensuring realistic data availability across different procurement categories. 

Training Module Enhancement Progressing 

The consortium expanded CCC training capabilities by developing modules for three new procurement categories: outdoor area management, road works, and building renovation. To improve availability of the courses, modules were translated to Estonian, Lithuanian, German, and Latvian languages. Additionally, innovative user-friendly interactive worksheets and templates are being developed to enhance training experience for procurement specialists. 

Strong Partnership Collaboration 

Target group engagement intensified through internal roundtables across partner municipalities, with Helsinki, Turku, and Stockholm successfully involving associated organizations in initial sessions. The consortium maintained regular coordination through monthly Partner Assembly meetings, Core Group activities, and specialized GoA alignment sessions, ensuring coherent development across all activity streams. 

International Recognition and Outreach 

Project achievements gained international visibility through presentations about application of GPP principles at prestigious events: the 2025 Global Public Procurement Forum in Paris and professional conferences in Cannes (MIPIM) and Vilnius (IBRC). Participation in international events contributes to CCC-2 visibility and broader reach of target audiences, with special focus on events with high participation from international procurement communities. 

Upcoming Highlights 

The consortium is preparing for the landmark Green Governance Day Conference in Vilnius (November 2025), with over 95 participants registered and high-level speakers from across the Baltic Sea Region confirmed. This major event will showcase project innovations and promote green governance as a key political priority. 

The first period achievements position ChemClimCircle-2 as a pioneering force in sustainable procurement transformation, with robust solutions development progressing toward comprehensive piloting and evaluation in the upcoming period. 

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