HOW TO IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT?

 

NETWORKING AND COOPERATION

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 INVENTORY

Undertake 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 CRITERIA

A 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 SECTORS

Start 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 GROUP

Implementing 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 STRATEGY

Get 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 TARGETS

Assess 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 PERFORMANCE

Assess 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.

ENGAGING THE MARKET

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.