Opportunities of public infrastructure procurement to enhance environmental goals: a case study in the South of the Netherlands

Purpose Within the European Union, public procurement accounts for 16% of its Gross Domestic Product, making it an important policy tool for achieving “green” targets. This study aims to explore the current scope of Green Public Procurement (GPP) of infrastructural works in local authorities in the South of the Netherlands, affiliated with a structural collaborative procurement organisation. The authors explored the concept of GPP, the role of procurement and ways to strengthen adoption of GPP. Design/methodology/approach A case study was conducted through 14 in-depth interviews with staff from local authorities and procurement professionals from the structural collaborative procurement organisation; findings were analysed thematically. Findings The scope of GPP in local authorities is more extensive than the European definition. Within local authorities, project leaders, often facilitated by external engineering consultants, determine application of GPP. Behaviour, motivation and specific knowledge of all involved in the procurement process influence GPP. Practical implications Involve procurement in the selection of external engineering firms and in the preparation phase of infrastructure projects. Reconsider the internal coordination mechanism of external project managers. Originality/value GPP of works in current academic literature remains underexposed. The authors provide further insight into what elements enhance application of GPP in infrastructural works and what contribution procurement can make to facilitate this, supported in a conceptual framework.