Multiple regions Circularity future readiness in government contracts
Contact point
Client
Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
Services provided
Sustainability advisory, stakeholder engagement, circularity assessment, policy review, and guidance development
Background
NSW Public Works (NSWPW) received funding through Choose Circular, a DCCEEW initiative, to explore circular economy opportunities in cleaning services. The project targets stakeholders using the Whole of Government (WofG) Cleaning Contract, which spans schools, emergency services, health facilities, and cultural institutions. It aims to assess current circular practices, identify gaps and successes, and develop practical guidance to support more sustainable cleaning across government.
Key facts
- Expected completion date: By Q4 2025
- Project value: $145,000
- Funded by Choose Circular Program
- Over 50 NSW Government agencies, including Education, Ambulance, Courts, and Art Gallery NSW
- Aligns with upcoming Net Zero Government Operations Policy (Measure 22)
Our role
NSWPW is coordinating stakeholder engagement with both key contractors and asset owners, reviewing existing policy and consolidating findings into a Whole of Government (WoG) best practice guidance document for cleaning.
We are assessing current circularity practices in cleaning, identifying barriers and opportunities, and exploring how upcoming policy requirements, such as Measure 22 in the Net Zero Government Operations (NZGO) Policy can be reflected in future cleaning contracts.
The project also considers overlaps with the WoG Waste Management Contract and aims to support improved procurement outcomes across government.
A dedicated Sustainability Project Officer is leading consultation, data collection and reporting, with technical oversight from NSWPW’s sustainability and asset management teams
Outcomes
The project is expected to be completed by December 2025. It will deliver a Whole of Government guidance document for cleaning services, supported by technical annexures.
The guidance will outline circular practices and products, particularly those containing recycled materials and provide recommendations for future cleaning service delivery models. It will also highlight opportunities and barriers across areas such as product availability, infrastructure, logistics, contract design and health and safety.
Findings will help agencies understand what is and isn’t working in current cleaning practices and support more consistent, sustainable approaches across government. While the project won’t alter the existing contract, it will inform future procurement decisions and support alignment with upcoming policy requirements, including Measure 22 in the Net Zero Government Operations Policy (NZGO).