Sustainable Procurement as part of CSR
Sustainable Procurement is a component of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Companies that apply the principles of CSR take responsibility for their role with respect to social problems such as air pollution, climate change and bad working conditions. They make an effort to contribute to solving these social problems. This extends across all business processes, including procurement.
Sustainable procurement, circular procurement and supply chain responsibility are all frequently used terms – unsurprisingly, since they are all connected. Procurement controls the supply chain, which means that procurement professionals can create and stimulate the demand for sustainably or circularly produced goods. By doing so, they can contribute towards a positive impact on the company’s CSR goals.
Sustainable Procurement guideline
The ISO 20400 sustainable procurement guideline provides practical tools for both public and private organisations. These tools help in setting up and guaranteeing a socially responsible procurement process. Together with Koninklijke NEN (Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute), we have developed the two-day ISO 20400 sustainable procurement training course.
The international guideline has been available since May 2017. Nevi is closely involved in the development of this guideline, and our expert teachers are on the Standards Committee. They therefore know better than most what the current state of affairs is. Our strong involvement is of great benefit to you, in that we can give you an exclusive look into exactly what the guideline entails and what it can mean for you.
The importance of Sustainable Procurement
Sustainable Procurement is a high priority in the public and private sectors. The guiding principle should always be 100% sustainable procurement. In addition to environmental criteria such as the reduction of CO2 emissions, there are many other themes to be taken into consideration, such as social return, sustainable civil engineering, social conditions, socially responsible market behaviour and critical raw materials.
The following is an example:
Through Green Deal Circular Procurement, public and private parties demonstrate that they are driving the circular economy through their procurement policies.
Sustainable Procurement at Nevi over the years
Did you know that Nevi was already active in sustainability and Sustainable Procurement as early as 2004? This theme is still one of Nevi’s major priorities.