Sustainable procurement

Sustainable procurement involves incorporating environmental, social, and ethical considerations into the procurement process. It encompasses activities such as identifying sustainable sourcing opportunities, evaluating suppliers’ sustainability practices, and promoting sustainable procurement practices across the organization.

Beginner competence definition

A beginner-level professional has a basic understanding of sustainability principles and their relevance to procurement. They can assist in collecting and organizing sustainability-related data, conducting basic supplier assessments, and supporting the development of sustainability reports. They require guidance from more experienced professionals in evaluating supplier sustainability practices and implementing sustainable procurement strategies.

Intermediate competence definition

An intermediate-level professional is able to assess suppliers’ sustainability practices, conduct audits, and analyze sustainability performance data. They actively engage with suppliers to promote sustainable practices, collaborate on sustainability initiatives, and drive continuous improvement in suppliers’ sustainability performance. They also possess strong analytical skills to evaluate the environmental and social impact of procurement decisions and contribute to the development of sustainable procurement strategies and policies.

Advanced competence definition

An advanced-level professional possesses comprehensive knowledge of sustainability frameworks, certifications, and industry best practices. They are able to develop and implement sustainable procurement strategies aligned with organizational values and objectives. They actively collaborate with suppliers to integrate sustainability considerations into supplier selection, evaluation, and contract management processes. They also drive supplier engagement in sustainability initiatives, establish performance metrics and targets, and monitor progress toward sustainability goals. We have found they can provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on sustainable procurement practices and contribute to broader sustainability strategies within the organization, ensuring that procurement processes align with environmental, social, and ethical considerations.