Converting your purchasing department to responsible purchasing
Responsible procurement is a key component of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. It places the buyer at the center of the process. The benefits are numerous: for the planet, your company, the local community, stakeholders…
What is responsible purchasing?
The concept of responsible procurement refers to goods and services selected not only for their quality but also because they meet environmental and social criteria. Responsible procurement is therefore part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach, drawing on the principles of solidarity, ethics, sustainable development, and fairness. Best practices in responsible procurement are described in the voluntary ISO 20400 standard.
Why switch to sustainable shopping?
A responsible procurement policy benefits both the company and its stakeholders. There are many reasons for this: Contributing to the company’s CSR efforts and to the achievement of the SDGs Reducing social and environmental risks and impacts Reducing costs, particularly those related to supply chain disruptions Improving and measuring economic performance It improves the quality and effectiveness of supplier relationships, particularly with actors in the social and solidarity economy (SSE) It meets customer demand by turning to sustainable products or services It enhances the company’s image as an innovator and its reputation It strengthens the company’s competitive advantage
How can you successfully transition to more sustainable purchasing practices?
To implement a responsible procurement policy, it’s best to seek guidance. With training and expert assistance, the transition to a sustainable approach will be smoother. As with implementing a CSR strategy, the key is to establish a clear framework for the initiative. ISO 20400, for example, encourages companies to ask the right questions before adopting best practices.
This transition can only be achieved by taking a step-by-step approach: defining sustainable procurement goals, understanding the CSR challenges facing the procurement function and incorporating them into the action plan, training employees on this new approach, implementing concrete actions… And don’t forget to highlight your commitments through a certification.
