From Linear to Circular: How Government ICT Procurement Can Drive Sustainability

In today’s climate-conscious world, government agencies are expected to lead by example. While many have embraced digital transformation and IT modernization, sustainable procurement practices, especially in Information and Communication Technology (ICT),remain largely under-addressed. One major gap? The lack of integration of circular ICT strategies such as reuse, remanufacturing, and responsible disposal into procurement programs.

The environmental cost of the linear “buy-use-dispose” model is staggering. Each year, the world generates over 50 million tons of e-waste, much of it from public sector institutions. New-device manufacturing consumes raw materials, emits high levels of carbon, and often raises ethical concerns around labor practices. With governments being some of the world’s largest tech buyers, the opportunity, and responsibility, to drive meaningful change is significant.

A Circular Success Story: Ireland Leads the Way

One standout example comes from Ireland. In June 2024, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) signed a €30 million contract with Circular Computing to supply remanufactured laptops across the public sector. This initiative saved an estimated 19 million kg of CO₂ emissions while aligning with Ireland’s “Buying Greener” policy.

This marks the first EU-wide example of a national government scaling circular ICT procurement. Not only does it support sustainability goals, but it also maintains device performance and significantly reduces lifecycle costs.

Best Practices for Sustainable Procurement

For U.S. agencies looking to follow suit, a few best practices can help:

• Eco-Criteria in RFPs: Include specifications for remanufactured hardware, energy efficiency standards, and end-of-life take-back programs.
• Prioritize Certification: Use third-party credentials such as EPEAT, BSI Kitemark, or the Nordic Swan to evaluate environmental impact.
• Total-Cost-of-Ownership Analysis: Go beyond sticker price. Factor in longevity, maintenance, and environmental savings over time.
• Pilot, Measure, Iterate: Start small in one department, gather feedback, and refine procurement language before scaling agency-wide.

Policy in Action: The UK Social Value Act

The United Kingdom’s Social Value Act (2012) mandates that all public procurement consider not just price, but social and environmental impact. By embedding these principles into contracts, agencies create a ripple effect, holding vendors accountable and encouraging innovation in sustainable products.

Infrastructure Lessons: Singapore’s ABC Waters

In Singapore, the ABC Waters Program integrates sustainability into urban planning by promoting water-sensitive design. Its success shows how policy frameworks can nudge behavior and design choices toward long-term sustainability. Procurement policy can, and should, serve the same function for ICT.

Addressing Challenges

Skepticism about second-hand devices, concerns around warranties, and lack of staff training are common barriers. Agencies can overcome these by:

• Engaging certified remanufacturers
• Setting clear performance expectations in contracts
• Hosting internal briefings on green procurement value
• Forming consortia to share resources and lessons learned

Your Roadmap to Circular ICT

1. Set a target, e.g., 50% remanufactured devices by 2027
2. Pilot the approach in low-risk departments
3. Build performance clauses into vendor contracts
4. Share success stories publicly to inspire others

Why Now?

Transitioning to circular ICT isn’t just a sustainability initiative, it’s fiscal responsibility, innovation leadership, and climate action rolled into one. Let’s shift the norm from “Buy New” to “Buy Smart”, and lead the way toward truly sustainable digital government.

Dr. Rhonda Farrell is a transformation advisor with decades of experience driving impactful change and strategic growth for DoD, IC, Joint, and commercial agencies and organizations. She has a robust background in digital transformation, organizational development, and process improvement, offering a unique perspective that combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of business dynamics. As a strategy and innovation leader, she aligns with CIO, CTO, CDO, CISO, and Chief of Staff initiatives to identify strategic gaps, realign missions, and re-engineer organizations. Based in Baltimore and a proud US Marine Corps veteran, she brings a disciplined, resilient, and mission-focused approach to her work, enabling organizations to pivot and innovate successfully.

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