Adopting ethical and sustainable procurement can help your business economically as well as reduce its impact on the environment and comes with health and social benefits too.
The way you get your supplies, where they come from and what they consist of, play an important role in reducing your emissions; save on costs and boost your business reputation for good practice while building trust with your targeted clients and suppliers.
Typically having sustainable procurement processes in place makes sure your business is compliant with environmental laws and targets, removes the use of hazardous materials and waste in the supply chain and provides reassurance in the screening suppliers for fair labour practices. If you are wanting to write your own sustainable procurement policy here are four key steps to consider.
- Decide what matters most to your organisation
- Set your core procurement criteria
- Choose goods, services and suppliers that meet the criteria
- Keep records and communicate to your stakeholders
Change doesn’t happen overnight, implementing sustainability measures in your procurement processes takes time, planning and careful execution. However, it is all worth it as you will reap the benefits of reduced operating costs and reduced risks associated with the business reputation, while caring for the environment and people.
If you want to read more about ethical and sustainable procurement you can read the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply guide.
