Germany

Germany's Local Market Programme focuses on making circular construction a standard part of public building projects by developing practical, replicable procurement mechanisms for municipalities.

German municipalities are facing significant investment needs in public infrastructure, including schools, kindergartens and other public buildings. This creates an opportunity to use public purchasing power to accelerate demand for circular construction materials. However, circular requirements are often introduced too late in building projects, and standardised procurement criteria, verification methods and responsibilities remain insufficiently defined.

Led by UnternehmerTUM, the programme will establish a Circular Economy Living Lab in the Greater Munich area, bringing together municipal authorities, planners, construction companies, manufacturers and other industry stakeholders.

Using real building projects as reference cases, the Living Lab will explore how circular material requirements can be integrated into planning and tendering processes. The initial focus will be on recycled construction materials, with opportunities to incorporate reused building components where feasible.

The aim is to develop practical procurement guidance, criteria and tools that municipalities can apply in future projects. By translating local experience into a transferable procurement model, the programme seeks to help public authorities across Germany use their purchasing power to create lasting demand for circular construction.