An approach to the procurement of goods and services that takes environmental, social and economic factors into account.
A restaurant operator sources food exclusively from local, organic farms.
Green procurement
Sustainable procurement is a strategic approach that goes far beyond the traditional aspects of procuring goods and services. Sustainable procurement takes into account the ecological, social and economic impact of products and services on society and the environment. This concept aims to minimize the negative effects of procurement while at the same time promoting the positive effects. One relevant aspect here is awareness of the entire supply chain. Companies should not only critically scrutinize the end products, but also the ways and methods in which these products are manufactured, transported and distributed.
The need for sustainable procurement stems from the growing concern about the impact of consumption on the environment and society. Companies are under increasing pressure to meet their sustainability targets and report transparently on their supply chains. Sustainable procurement can reduce the risk of reputational damage and help to meet legal requirements and voluntary standards. It can also help to use resources more efficiently and reduce energy consumption, which saves costs in the long term and reduces the environmental footprint.
Suppliers play a central role in sustainable procurement. They must implement sustainable practices in their production processes and supply chains. Companies should not only pay attention to prices, but also to the ethical standards and environmental practices of their suppliers. Audits and regular assessments of suppliers can ensure that they comply with the desired sustainability criteria. Long-term partnerships with sustainable suppliers also promote innovation and make it possible to improve the entire value chain.
The implementation of a sustainable procurement approach requires suitable tools and methods. One example is sustainability criteria that can be integrated into tenders. These criteria enable an objective evaluation of tenders with regard to environmental and social aspects. In addition, training for employees on sustainable procurement practices is important to raise awareness of these issues within the company. The use of software solutions can facilitate the monitoring and reporting of sustainability indicators.
In many countries, there are legal requirements that encourage companies to implement sustainable procurement practices. Compliance with this legislation is not only an obligation, but also an opportunity to increase consumer confidence in the brand. For example, the EU has issued directives that require companies to comply with environmental and social standards. The legal framework can vary greatly depending on the industry and region, which is why it is important for companies to keep up to date.
Measuring sustainability is crucial to evaluate the success of sustainable procurement strategies. Companies should define KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure progress towards their goals. Possible KPIs could be CO2 emissions, water consumption or the proportion of sustainable materials in products. Transparent reporting on these KPIs not only promotes internal accountability, but also external communication with stakeholders.
An important aspect of sustainable procurement is raising awareness and training employees. Training programs and workshops can promote knowledge about sustainable practices in procurement. Employees who are informed about the benefits and methods of sustainable procurement are better able to implement these principles in their daily actions. An open company that promotes sustainable values also strengthens employees' identification with the company mission.
Technology plays a key role in the implementation of sustainable procurement strategies. Digital solutions promote transparency in supply chains and enable more efficient management. Blockchain technology, for example, can be used to track product origin and ensure compliance with sustainability standards. At the same time, data analysis helps to identify bottlenecks in the supply chain and take measures to improve them. Technology can also be used to optimize the use of resources and develop innovative approaches to reduce the environmental footprint.
Although many companies strive to implement sustainable practices, they often face challenges. These can be financial, such as the higher cost of sustainable materials, or operational, such as integrating sustainability standards into existing processes. A clear strategy and commitment from top management are essential to overcome these obstacles. Companies need to ensure that all employees understand the importance of sustainable procurement practices and are willing to implement them in their daily practice.
The future of sustainable procurement will be largely shaped by a growing awareness of environmental and social issues. Forecasts suggest that companies that successfully implement sustainable strategies will remain more competitive. Consumers are increasingly basing their purchasing decisions on corporate ethics and sustainable practices. For companies, this means that integrating sustainability into the procurement process will not just be a trend, but an essential prerequisite for future success. In the long term, it will become clear that sustainable procurement is not only environmentally friendly, but can also bring economic benefits.
Das MORGEN Glossar ist Ihr ultimativer Leitfaden für Begriffe, Methoden und KPIs, die für Geschäftsmodelle und Digitalisierung wesentlich sind. Von Kundenzentrierung bis hin zu spezifischen Messgrößen - wir haben alles abgedeckt, um Sie auf Ihrem Weg durch die digitale Transformation zu unterstützen. Nutzen Sie dieses Glossar, um Ihr Verständnis zu vertiefen und Ihre Geschäftsstrategie effektiv zu gestalten.
