ISO 20400 is an international standard that provides guidelines for sustainable procurement. It is titled “ISO 20400:2017 – Sustainable Procurement — Guidance” and was published in 2017 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The standard is designed to help organisations integrate sustainability considerations into their procurement processes and decisions.
Sustainability is no longer an option in business; it is a necessity!
Implementing sustainable procurement strategies for businesses means not only environmental responsibility but also providing a competitive advantage in the long term. So, what kind of a roadmap does ISO 20400:2017 offer in this regard?
How does ISO 20400:2017 Sustainable Procurement – Guidance standard help organisations integrate environmental, social and economic sustainability into their supply chains?
The key objectives of ISO 20400 are:
- Guidance on Sustainable Procurement: It offers practical advice on how organisations can consider environmental, social, and economic impacts when making procurement decisions. This includes assessing the sustainability of suppliers, products, and services and ensuring that procurement decisions contribute to achieving broader sustainability goals.
- Strategic Approach: The standard encourages organisations to take a strategic, risk-based approach to procurement aligned with their sustainability goals and values.
- Integration with Existing Procurement Practices: ISO 20400 doesn’t mandate specific actions but guides how sustainability can be integrated into existing procurement frameworks and practices.
- Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: It promotes collaboration with stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, and internal departments, to ensure that sustainability principles are embedded in the procurement process.
While ISO 20400 is not a certification standard, it serves as a framework for organisations looking to embed sustainability into their procurement policies and practices. It can be applied to organisations of any size, across different industries and sectors, from public to private enterprises. Responsible supply chains are shaping the future. Take your place in the sustainability journey!
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