Public authorities across the world are committing towards sustainable procurement. The Procura+ Network enables public buyers to connect, exchange and act on sustainable and innovation procurement.
BASELINE INVENTORYUndertake a baseline inventory in preparation of implementing sustainable procurement. This could include a survey of organisational arrangements – which people and departments are involved and in what way. An inventory should also collect data on the quantities of a particular service or product currently purchased, the price paid, together with any environmental and social criteria used.
IDENTIFYING SPP CRITERIAA variety of sources of ready-to-use criteria exist. The European Commission has criteria for a wide range of products and services, as do many national governments. Ecolabels also provide a valuable source of information for developing criteria.
IDENTIFYING PRIORITY SECTORSStart implementing sustainable procurement by focussing on a key sector for your organisation. Criteria such as significance in sustainability or budgetary terms, local political priorities, major upcoming contracts or ready availability of alternatives can support the identification of the key sector.
SETTING UP A WORKING GROUPImplementing sustainable procurement involves a number of different people and departments within an organisation - procurement, sustainability, finance, specialist departments such as construction or IT. Establish a working group to co-operate and to find the most effective means of implementation.
PROCUREMENT POLICY AND STRATEGYGet high level commitment in the form of a policy or strategy to drive the implementation of SPP. Ensure the necessary co-operation between departments.
SETTING TARGETSAssess performance and communicate your intentions by setting ambitious targets for sustainable procurement! These can range from overall targets, or in relation to specific product and service groups.
MONITORING PERFORMANCEAssess progress towards targets and policy commitments through an effective monitoring system. Connect procurement performance indicators to wider sustainability frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
Good market intelligence about potential sustainable solutions available is key in implementing Sustainable Procurement. Engage in open dialogue with potential suppliers as an effective way to optimise your sustainable procurement results.
