Enablers and Barriers of Sustainability for Small Public Purchases

Abstract

This study examines the sustainability of small public purchases, a largely overlooked area despite its substantial aggregate volume and legal flexibility compared to large purchases. We aim to understand if the sustainability potential in small public purchases is utilized and how it can be leveraged, providing insights into the dynamics of small purchases and offering practical guidance for policy and organizational change. Through case studies of five Dutch water authorities, incorporating interviews and document analyses, we examine internal and external factors that may inhibit or promote sustainability in small purchases. The findings indicate that sustainability currently plays a limited role in small purchases. Contrary to previous research, external factors do not drive sustainability in small purchases, as the focus remains on large purchases. All internal factors studied are perceived as barriers to achieving sustainable small purchases. We discuss that the external factor of “legal requirements” holds the most untapped potential to become a driver for sustainable small purchases. Additionally, we highlight “accountability” as an important internal factor, suggesting that improved accountability could lead to greater resources, higher risk tolerance, and increased organizational attention. Finally, we suggest that promoting sustainability in small purchases requires addressing underlying challenges, including its limited visibility.