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Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart | Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy
ESG in Procurement —Embracing Sustainability
Key take-aways
- Sustainability in sourcing methods is improved by the integration of environmental, social, and governance concerns in procurement, or ESG.
- ESG is crucial to procurement to reduce risks, improve transparency, and encourage ethical, sustainable supplier chain processes.
- Because it fosters resource efficiency, acceptance of sustainable products, and financial gains, procurement is essential to sustainability.
ESG in procurement is continuously integrated by many businesses to foster sustainability in their processes. However, what is it?
In this article, we will discuss what ESG in procurement is. We will tell you its importance and how procurement impacts sustainability. We will also share with you the top strategies for procurement to drive ESG.
After reading this article, you will understand the importance of ESG in procurement. Thus, allowing you to implement sustainability in your business effectively.
What is ESG in Procurement?
ESG in procurement refers to the consideration of Environmental, Social, and Governance factors when making purchasing decisions.
Basically, it is a set of guidelines or principles that assist businesses in assessing their sustainability and impact, particularly with regard to their procurement and sourcing practices.
Sustainable procurement involves integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the policies and procedures of procurement, thereby ensuring that interactions with suppliers are carried out in a way that conforms to the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.
In simple terms, sustainable procurement refers to how businesses can identify and reduce the environmental and social impacts on their supply chain.
To achieve sustainability in procurement, businesses must evaluate themselves based on the three core areas called the 3Ps of sustainability, which are the planet, people, and profit pillars. To learn more about this, check it out here
What is the Importance of ESG in Procurement?
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is increasingly becoming an essential factor in procurement because of the significant impact procurement decisions can have on the environment and society.
By integrating ESG considerations into the procurement process, organizations can foster sustainability, minimize risks, and increase transparency in their supply chain.
For instance, organizations can use ESG criteria to select suppliers who operate responsibly, minimize their carbon footprint, and comply with ethical business practices.
This approach can help lower the organization’s exposure to reputational, regulatory, and legal risks, while also promoting sustainability and responsible practices in the supply chain.
Moreover, integrating ESG considerations into procurement can help organizations align their values and goals with their purchasing decisions, allowing them to create a positive brand image and gain a competitive advantage.
ESG procurement can help companies meet the increasing demands of stakeholders who are increasingly concerned about the issues regarding sustainability and social responsibility.
Therefore, incorporating ESG considerations in procurement can bring multiple benefits to organizations, the environment, and society as a whole.
The Impact of Procurement on Sustainability
Procurement decisions can have a huge impact on the sustainability of an organization and the environment because it involves the selection, acquisition, and management of goods and services from suppliers.
It can impact sustainability by promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction. Organizations can use procurement practices to reduce waste and conserve natural resources by selecting products and services that are energy-efficient, recyclable, or made from sustainable materials.
Additionally, procurement can also impact sustainability by encouraging the development and adoption of sustainable products and services.
Furthermore, a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that sustainable procurement practices can help organizations reduce their environmental impact, improve supplier performance, and create economic and social benefits.
The report noted that integrating sustainability into procurement practices can help organizations meet their environmental and social goals while reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Strategies to Develop ESG Goals in Procurement
Here are some of the strategies to help you in your journey to developing ESG goals in procurement.
1. Determine Focus Areas
In procurement, it is important to focus on areas that have the biggest impact on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
With many suppliers to consider, it may seem overwhelming, but a risk-mapping assessment can help identify suppliers that need attention.
Combining this with spending data can help narrow down the focus to target suppliers. Another approach is to use spend-to-emissions mapping to find areas of high emissions, which can also lead to identifying target suppliers.
2. Create KPIs
After identifying the target suppliers, the next step is to establish key performance indicators (KPIs). Procurement needs to collaborate with suppliers to define, measure, and report on their performance based on these indicators.
KPIs can be useful for tracking performance and identifying opportunities for improvement. They can also be integrated into existing procurement processes, such as including sustainability scores in the RFx process as a weighted criterion.
3. Incentivize Suppliers
Procurement needs to offer incentives to encourage suppliers to actively work towards ESG goals.
There are various ways to incentivize suppliers, such as engaging with them regularly and highlighting the importance of sustainability in procurement decisions.
You can also incentivize suppliers by including KPIs in the contract, with fees and penalties tied to supplier score improvement goals. The progress can be rewarded with better payment terms and co-branding opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ESG integration in procurement is a critical practice for businesses seeking sustainability in their processes.
By adopting ESG principles, organizations can enhance transparency, mitigate risks, and foster sustainable practices within their supply chains.
Through ESG considerations, organizations not only align their values with their purchasing decisions but also gain a competitive advantage and contribute positively to the environment and society.
Frequentlyasked questions
What is ESG in procurement?
It refers to the consideration of Environmental, Social, and Governance factors when making purchasing decisions.
Why is it important?
ESG is important in procurement because it helps companies ensure that their business practices align with their corporate social responsibility strategies.
What are some examples of ESG criteria in procurement?
Examples of ESG criteria in procurement include using sustainable materials and products, reducing waste and emissions, promoting fair labor practices, ensuring supplier diversity, and engaging in ethical business practices.
About the author
My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.
