Triple-C: A Tridimensional Sustainability-Oriented Indicator for Assessing Product Circularity in Public Procurement

Simone Wurster () and Luana Ladu
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Simone Wurster: Department of Innovation Economics, Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin), 10623 Berlin, Germany
Luana Ladu: Department of Innovation Economics, Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin), 10623 Berlin, Germany

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 21, 1-23

Abstract: Various microlevel circular economy indicators for assessing sustainability and, partly, additional sustainability characteristics have been developed, but an integrated solution considering the environmental, social, and economic pillars remains a research gap. Method: Based on a multimethod approach, including surveys and the analysis of existing sustainability assessment methodologies and standards, this paper proposes a concept for a multidimensional circular economy indicator tailored to public procurers. It relies on attractive existing building blocks including: (1) the ecological scarcity method, (2) European and international sustainability standards and indicators, and (3) the STAR-ProBio-IAT concept. Results: This article presents the concept of the composite indicator Triple-C, consisting of 20 elements and aimed at facilitating sustainable circular public procurement. It is intended to be incorporated into software that facilitates sustainable product decisions among public procurers in Germany. Conclusions: We propose a generic indicator concept covering all three (environmental, social, and economic) sustainability pillars. More research and additional standards are needed to develop the Triple-C concept further into product-specific applications.

Keywords: circular economy; sustainability assessment; circularity; ecological scarcity method; life-cycle assessment; LCA; life-cycle costing; LCC; social sustainability; indicators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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