Supply Chain & Procurement Services
Sustainable procurement is an approach to buying products and services that takes into account the economic, environmental and social impacts of what you buy. It is about supporting action on climate change and resource depletion, reducing the environmental and social impacts of activities and benefitting the communities in which you work, through providing employment opportunities and stimulating the local economy.
Sustainable procurement also means looking at the impacts of the product or service on the environment and society over its entire lifecycle from creation to disposal. Sustainable procurement must not only recognise the impact of the product or service but also the social and ethical behaviour of the companies providing that product or service.
We have worked with organisations in the public and private sectors to develop procurement policies and strategies, supported staff in developing and operating sustainable procurement approaches and produced guidance on specific environmental and social issues that arise within individual products and service areas.
Procurement strategy and policy development
By establishing the context and structure for your approach to sustainable procurement we can develop procurement strategies and policies to align with your existing procurement approach, focussing upon areas providing significant sources of risk and opportunity.
Staff development
We can train your procurement staff in the theory and practice of sustainable procurement using simple tools and approaches to build their confidence and capacity.
Procurement guidance
The procurement of goods and services can give rise to a range of social and environmental issues. We can develop guidance for procurement staff and suppliers to help them to deliver against your procurement objectives, providing information on the issues that arise from different commodity groups, guidance on labels and practice to look for and specify and assist in the integration of sustainability principles into your procurement practice and processes.
Supplier awareness and development
We can work with your key suppliers to build their awareness of your needs and support your objectives and build their capacity to supply goods and services with improved environmental and social performance.