What is Sustainable Procurement?

Sustainable procurement is the process of acquiring goods and services in a way that considers the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the purchase. It involves making purchasing decisions that balance the needs of the organisation with the need to protect natural resources and promote social and economic development.

1. It is identifying and evaluating potential suppliers. When considering potential suppliers, it is important to take into account not just the quality and price of the goods or services being offered, but also the supplier’s environmental and social practices. This may include evaluating the supplier’s energy usage, waste management practices, and labour policies.
2. Setting sustainability targets. In order to drive progress towards more sustainable procurement practices, it is important to set clear targets and goals. These targets may include reducing the environmental impact of procurement, increasing the use of recycled materials, or supporting local suppliers.
3. Developing a sustainability plan. In order to effectively implement sustainable procurement practices, it is essential to create a plan that outlines the steps that will be taken to achieve the organisation’s sustainability goals. This may include identifying the most important areas for focus, setting targets, and establishing a timeline for progress.
4. Engaging with suppliers. Building strong relationships with suppliers is an important part of sustainable procurement. This includes communicating the organisation’s sustainability goals and expectations and working with suppliers to identify ways to improve their environmental and social practices.
5. Measuring and reporting on progress. In order to track progress towards sustainability goals, it is important to establish metrics for measuring success and regularly report on progress. This may include tracking the environmental impact of procurement, the proportion of goods and services that are sourced sustainably, and the economic impact of sustainable practices.

Conclusion – sustainable procurement is a critical component of any organisation’s sustainability strategy. By considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of purchasing decisions, organisations can drive progress towards a more sustainable future and contribute to the well-being of their communities and the planet.