News in the Channel - issue #23

SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT

The rise of the sustainable procurement manager

How purchasing continues to adapt to new environmental challenges, by Barton Finn, buyer relations manager at TCO Development, the organisation behind TCO Certified, the sustainability certification for IT products.

In today's business landscape, procurement has evolved into a strategic function extending far beyond simply acquiring goods and services. Buyer responsibilities now encompass supplier relationship management and cost control as well as the crucial task of implementing an organisation's sustainability vision.

influence within organisations. They must seamlessly integrate CSR objectives into procurement strategies and ensure supplier compliance with these standards. This includes incorporating sustainability criteria into supplier selection processes, aligning with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol's Scopes. The responsibility of promoting sustainable purchasing practices throughout the supply chain falls largely on procurement professionals. As a result, training programmes are rapidly emerging to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes. Every stage of the procurement process, from supplier selection and contract management to logistics and distribution, presents opportunities to embed responsible practices. This ensures alignment between chosen suppliers and a company's sustainability goals, safeguarding brand reputation. Further highlighting the rising prominence of procurement is the emergence of a new role: the sustainable procurement manager. Tasked specifically with defining and implementing responsible purchasing practices, this position underscores the critical importance of sustainable procurement in achieving organisational sustainability goals. The very existence of this role, unheard of just five years ago, speaks volumes about the evolving landscape. This is particularly relevant in IT procurement, a sector with a significant environmental footprint, where prioritising stringent eco-labels is paramount. Given the scope and complexity of the task, it's only logical for procurement teams to bolster their expertise and resources in this area. With expanded responsibilities, a need for continuous upskilling and increased interaction with internal and external stakeholders, the role of the procurement manager is undergoing a profound transformation. These new responsibilities bring with them increased influence, elevating the entire profession to new heights.

Sustainability drives procurement transformation

Barton Finn buyer relations manager TCO Development

As environmental, social and ethical concerns take centre stage in public discourse, pressure mounts on companies to demonstrate responsible practices. Stakeholders, including consumers, investors and regulators are increasingly scrutinising corporate behaviour, demanding transparency and higher standards of social and environmental responsibility. This scrutiny compels companies to re-evaluate their sourcing practices and recognise the pivotal role procurement plays in advancing corporate social responsibility (CSR). This heightened focus on CSR reflects a fundamental shift in how companies interact within their ecosystems. Environmental responsibility is no longer solely measured within an organisation's own operations but extends throughout its entire supply chain. Consequently, suppliers are becoming integral to sustainability strategies, aligning with organisational goals and providing essential data for regulatory compliance. Reducing carbon footprint is a key element of any comprehensive CSR strategy. With procurement accounting for a staggering 80- 90% of an organisation's Scope 3 emissions, implementing sustainable procurement policies are not just desirable, they are essential for meeting increasingly stringent requirements. The evolving role of the procurement manager Faced with these new challenges, procurement managers are gaining significant

tcocertified.com

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Every stage of the procurement process, from supplier selection and contract management to logistics and distribution, presents opportunities to embed responsible practices.

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