Public procurement wields enormous influence in the Czech Republic, accounting for 12.5% of GDP and holding the power to drive real progress on climate, energy, and post-pandemic recovery. Yet new research shows that most Czech municipalities haven’t fully tapped into green public procurement’s strategic potential, treating it more as an administrative task than a lever for change.
Surveying over 300 local leaders, the study finds that only a third of municipalities have adopted green purchasing policies, and just over half rate their efforts as successful. The greatest challenges? A prevailing focus on cheapest price, limited staff capacity, and organizational cultures that resist innovation. However, when central government provides clear backing, municipalities set strong goals, and leaders prioritize GPP, real advancements follow.
To harness procurement’s full potential for sustainability, Czech municipalities need to treat it as a core part of local strategy. Stronger leadership, targeted training, and tighter collaboration across all levels of government can turn green purchasing into a catalyst for resilient, future-ready communities.