Summary of the key insights shared during the Procurement Bar roundtable discussion titled “Procurement as the New Ambassador of Corporate Social Responsibility”, held in October 2023.
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Understand the Fundamentals of Sustainability
As a first step, clarify what sustainability means from a procurement perspective. Sustainable procurement goes beyond environmental considerations — it also encompasses social and economic impacts. Focus on solutions that minimize negative impacts while maximizing long-term positive value creation.
Select Reliable and Sustainable Suppliers
Work with partners that take responsibility for their entire supply chain. Assess whether suppliers hold relevant certifications and evaluate their sustainability performance across key indicators such as CO₂ emissions, waste management practices, and labor rights compliance.
Support Inclusive Suppliers
Seek suppliers that generate added social value — for example, by implementing green technologies or supporting the employment of disadvantaged groups. These organizations contribute not only economically but also create measurable positive social impact.
Prioritize Local Sourcing
Support local suppliers, particularly SMEs and micro-enterprises whenever possible. Local sourcing can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the supply chain while also contributing to the economic resilience of local communities.
Use Decision-Support Tools
Implement tools and methodologies that enable supplier comparison based on sustainability criteria, such as carbon footprint assessments, ESG performance indicators, and ethical certifications. If suppliers do not provide this data proactively, request it directly or establish an internal evaluation framework.
Establish Exclusion Criteria
Define minimum sustainability requirements that every supplier must meet. These may include the prohibition of child labor, the assurance of fair wages, and the avoidance of environmentally harmful activities. Apply these criteria consistently across all procurement decisions.
Integrate Sustainability into Business Strategy
Sustainable procurement should be fully aligned with the company’s broader business strategy. Identify how sustainability-driven purchasing decisions can support business performance — for example, through access to new markets, enhanced brand reputation, or improved stakeholder trust.
Make Best Practices Visible
Share sustainability achievements both internally and externally. Successful sustainable procurement initiatives can be communicated through internal corporate channels, sustainability reports, or external PR opportunities to strengthen organizational credibility.
Educate and Inspire
Provide regular internal training sessions on sustainable procurement to ensure procurement teams remain informed about the latest trends, regulatory developments, and best practices. At the same time, encourage colleagues and business partners to incorporate sustainability considerations into their own decision-making processes.
Think Long-Term
Do not focus exclusively on short-term financial gains. Keep long-term sustainability objectives in mind and identify procurement alternatives that support sustainable business growth while reducing negative environmental and social impacts.