Transforming public procurement: the purchase of refurbished electronics will be simplified

Starting in spring 2025, Lithuanian institutions will find it easier to purchase more sustainable phones, computers, and printers, as the Central Purchasing Body (CPO LT) expands its catalogue to include refurbished and repaired electronics. According to Rūta Kukulskytė, the author of the initiative and an alumna of the Create Lithuania programme, the expansion will not only help public sector institutions save money but also accelerate Lithuania’s transition to more sustainable consumption.

The CPO LT electronic catalogue aims to streamline the public procurement process by ensuring transparency and simplifying procedures. It is an information system that connects selected suppliers offering goods, products, and services that meet uniform technical specifications. The entire procurement process—from placing the order to signing the contract—is automated. The supplier offering the lowest price, while meeting the order’s requirements, wins the contract. As institutional needs have evolved, it has been decided to include refurbished and repaired equipment in this system.

Refurbished electronics will be added to the CPO LT electronic catalogue as part of your initiative. What inspired this idea, and was it challenging to implement?

During my time with the Create Lithuania project at the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, I sought ways for the Lithuanian public sector to lead in reducing waste generation. Purchasing refurbished electronics is one of the most effective solutions. I’m pleased that CPO LT’s administration is open to international trends, recognizes the importance of sustainability, and has been willing to embrace change.

The idea was inspired by successful practices in both Norwegian and Lithuanian municipalities. For example, in 2002, Sør-Varanger, a Norwegian municipality comparable in size to Kupiškis, decided to purchase high-end refurbished computers for its municipal council and schools due to a limited ICT budget. In 2017, the municipality introduced a financial reform that mandated the purchase of refurbished equipment where possible. Today, about 90% of Sør-Varanger’s purchases are refurbished, saving the municipality around €58,000 annually—30% less than buying new equipment—and cutting CO2 emissions by 33 tons.

Why is it important for public institutions to have the option to purchase refurbished electronics through this catalogue?

This makes it much easier for refurbished equipment to reach the public sector. Purchasing through the CPO LT catalogue is straightforward, so institutions looking to reduce their environmental impact won’t have to go through any additional procedures.

Why should public authorities opt for refurbished electronics?

Refurbished and repaired electronics play a key role in saving our planet. For instance, data from the French Agency for Ecological Transition shows that purchasing a refurbished smartphone not only cuts ownership costs by 30-40%, but also ‘saves’ 50 kg of CO2, 154 kg of raw materials, and 43 cubic metres of water.

In 2018, the European Commission conducted a study on consumer engagement in the circular economy, finding that changes in consumption habits are often driven more by top-down regulation than by individual actions. I believe the state should not only regulate but also lead by example when it comes to sustainable consumption.

The United Nations (UN) has also called for the inclusion of refurbished electronics in public procurement. According to the UN, electronic waste is growing three times faster than the global population and five times faster than recycling capacity. This clearly highlights the need to reduce consumption. The public sector’s example can serve as a powerful incentive for citizens to embrace waste prevention.

Additionally, purchasing refurbished electronics is a practical decision. For a lower price, you can acquire a higher-end computer. While it may not be the latest model, its quality will likely surpass that of a budget new device.

Would a public procurement involving refurbished electronics through CPO LT be classified as green procurement?

Yes, if the equipment meets the minimum criteria outlined in the Order of the Minister of the Environment. I hope that, in the future, criteria for refurbishment and repair will be incorporated into the Green Procurement Guidelines—perhaps by awarding additional points to suppliers who meet these standards.

What lessons can Lithuanian institutions learn from local practices?

In 2024, the Kupiškis Fire and Rescue Service faced an urgent need to replace six non-functioning computers, but like many organizations, it had a limited budget. The administration had heard about repaired equipment options, so to save costs and promote sustainability, they decided to purchase refurbished business-class computers. This decision proved to be a success—they saved money while acquiring high-quality equipment at a lower price, just two-thirds of the cost of new devices.

This example highlights how institutions can benefit from exploring alternative solutions such as refurbished electronics, which not only helps to stretch budgets but also supports sustainable practices.