GREEN PROCUREMENT BENEFITS
Resource and Operational Efficiency
Buying sustainable products and purchasing from green suppliers and vendors promotes resource efficiency. Often GPPs instruct businesses to purchase products that consume less resources such as energy efficient light bulbs or low-flow faucets. Further, purchasing from a supplier who offers products with eco-friendly packaging or no packaging at all reduces your waste stream. These improvements in efficiency translate into cost savings for your business and resource conservation at large which is a win all the way around.
Having a GPP in place also improves operational efficiency as it provides your team with clear guidance on which green products to look for across all areas of your business. Providing detailed information on your GPP requirements and product standards makes it easy for your business to make credible green purchases quickly and confidently.
Improved Employee Health and Safety
Green procurement also serves your employees health, safety and overall well being. For example, buying certified eco-friendly cleaners to use in your workplace avoids the caustic and often toxic chemicals used in many conventional store-bought products.
The food items you provide in the break room vending machine can also be included in your GPP. Buying locally-made, organic and sustainable food options are usually healthier and can make your employees feel better and be more productive.
Employee Engagement
Launching a GPP will keep employees aware of both the sustainable products and habits they should be using but also the company’s larger sustainability mission. Raising employee awareness of and engagement in green purchasing can helpbuild a green work cultureand inspire employees to adopt such practices into their personal lives.
Innovation
Procuring sustainably means evaluating your current products and practices in an innovative way. Sometimes choosing the eco-friendly option for products and suppliers may require you to rethink and redesign the way you operate.These brands are manufacturing their shoes from recycled and biodegradable materials and sourcing sustainablywhile still achieving the durability and comfort that shoe lovers expect.
As a best practice, invite all ideas to the table from across all levels and departments in your business and be open to new ways of greening your products, practices, and habits. You never know what creative solutions you may come up with.
Green Market Support
Continuing to buy truly eco-friendly products and support other sustainable businesses helps build the green market that is taking hold in economies worldwide. There are more eco-friendly products on the market today than ever before. However, having a GPP in place can help your team choose only the products that meet high standards and certifications thus combatting the rampant greenwashing that exists today.
Mitigated Risks
A GPP can help you adhere to corporate regulations and avoid the risk of malpractice from using harmful products or partnering with unethical providers. You will also maintain public trust and avoid lawsuits and legal action. Such was the case forthese chocolate industry giants that now face child labor allegations.
Improved Public Image
Abiding by a green procurement policy looks good in the public sphere in which morecustomers are preferring businesses that are socially responsible and good environmental stewards. Having a GPP allows you to be transparent with your customers, employees and other stakeholders on the products you buy, the providers you support and your purchasing habits. Launching a GPP is another way to reflect your commitment to sustainability and the well being of communities and the environment.
Increased Profitability
Green procurement can drive higher profits in various ways. Along with the customer attraction and loyalty that comes from having a greener reputation, green purchasing yields cost savings in the form of energy efficiency and reduced waste. While some green products can be more expensive, many are associated with rebate programs such as thoseoffered by ENERGY STAR. As mentioned before, a GPP simplifies the green purchasing process. The time originally spent navigating a market overwhelmed with so many product options can now be used towards other important areas of your business.
