How can you source sustainably?

1 Assess your needs

Before you look for sustainable suppliers, you need to understand your own needs and goals. What are the main inputs and outputs of your business? How much do you spend on materials, energy, water, and waste? What are the risks and opportunities associated with your sourcing decisions? How do they align with your corporate sustainability strategy and vision? Conducting a sustainability assessment can help you identify your priorities and gaps, and set realistic and measurable targets.

3 Engage your suppliers

Sourcing sustainably is not a one-time transaction, but a long-term relationship. You need to engage your suppliers in a constructive and collaborative way, and communicate your expectations and requirements clearly. You should also monitor and evaluate their performance regularly, and provide feedback and support for improvement. You can use tools such as contracts, audits, surveys, reports, and meetings to manage your supplier relationships and ensure accountability and transparency.

4 Optimize your processes

Sourcing sustainably also involves optimizing your own processes and practices to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and enhance quality. You can use methods such as lean, circular, or green procurement to streamline your sourcing activities and minimize your environmental footprint. You can also implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards, and to prevent corruption, fraud, and human rights violations. You can also train and empower your staff to make informed and responsible sourcing decisions.

5 Innovate your solutions

Sourcing sustainably is not only about finding the best existing suppliers and materials, but also about creating new and better solutions. You can use your creativity and expertise to develop new products, services, or business models that address the sustainability challenges and opportunities in your industry. You can also collaborate with your suppliers, customers, and other partners to co-create and co-deliver innovative solutions that add value and make a positive impact.

6 Share your results

Sourcing sustainably can bring many benefits to your business and society, but you need to measure and communicate them effectively. You can use indicators and metrics to track and report your progress and performance against your targets and goals. You can also use stories and testimonials to showcase your achievements and challenges, and to inspire and influence others. You can share your results internally and externally, through channels such as newsletters, websites, social media, or events.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?