Sustainable procurement plays a central role when it comes to tackling the global challenges of the 21st century. Public institutions have a particular responsibility in this regard and can make a decisive contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their procurement practices. In this blog, we shed light on the importance of sustainable procurement in the context of the 2030 Agenda, highlight challenges and opportunities and provide practical tips for implementation. We also present how Bruno Wickart can support public institutions in integrating sustainability criteria.
The importance of sustainable procurement in the context of the 2030 Agenda
The 2030 Agenda, which was adopted by the United Nations in 2015, includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. These goals cover a broad spectrum, from combating poverty and hunger to protecting the environment and promoting peace, justice and strong institutions. Sustainable procurement contributes directly and indirectly to achieving many of these goals, including
- Goal 12: Sustainable consumption and production – Public institutions can minimize the use of resources and reduce their ecological footprint by purchasing environmentally friendly and socially responsible products and services.
- Goal 13: Climate protection measures – By procuring energy-efficient products, reducing emissions and supporting sustainable production processes, public institutions make an important contribution to climate protection.
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth – Sustainable procurement also means improving social conditions along the supply chain and promoting fair working conditions.
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities – The procurement of sustainable infrastructure, such as environmentally friendly construction projects or sustainable mobility solutions, supports the development of liveable cities and communities.
Public institutions around the world spend billions every year on the procurement of products and services. If they use these funds responsibly, they can have a significant impact on markets and societies and promote sustainable development.
Challenges and opportunities of sustainable procurement for public institutions
Implementing sustainable procurement strategies comes with challenges, but also offers numerous opportunities:
Challenges:
- Complexity of the criteria: Sustainable procurement requires the consideration of a large number of environmental, social and economic criteria. Integrating these criteria into the procurement process can be complex and time-consuming.
- Market availability: In some areas, the range of sustainable products and services is still limited. This makes it difficult for public institutions to fully implement their sustainability goals.
- Cost awareness: Sustainable products are often more expensive to purchase. The challenge is to convince decision-makers that these higher initial costs are offset by lower life cycle costs and environmental and social benefits.
Opportunities:
- Promoting sustainable markets: By creating demand for sustainable products, public institutions can promote the development of environmentally friendly technologies and production methods and thus change the market.
- Role model: Public institutions can act as role models for other stakeholders by demonstrating that sustainable procurement is not only possible but also economically viable.
- Long-term savings: Sustainable products are often more durable and efficient, leading to long-term savings in operating and maintenance costs. In addition, sustainable procurement can help reduce risks such as supply chain disruptions.
Practical tips for implementing sustainable procurement strategies
Development of a sustainability strategy:
- A clear strategy for sustainable procurement is the first step. This should define the organization’s vision and goals with regard to sustainability and include concrete action plans to achieve these goals.
- The strategy should be based on the goals of the 2030 Agenda and include all relevant sustainability criteria, such as environmental aspects, social responsibility and economic efficiency.
Integration of sustainability criteria in tenders:
- Sustainability criteria should already be taken into account in the planning phase of tenders. These include environmentally friendly materials, energy efficiency, durability and social standards.
- It is important to formulate clear and measurable criteria so that bidders understand what is required of them.
Consider life cycle costs:
- Rather than just looking at the initial cost, public bodies should consider the total lifecycle cost of a product. This includes the costs of operation, maintenance and disposal.
- Considering life cycle costs helps to make the long-term advantages of sustainable products visible and to weigh up the benefits against short-term savings.
- Training and education for employees is essential to communicate the importance of sustainable procurement and develop the necessary skills for implementation.
- Involving suppliers and other stakeholders in training measures can also help to increase awareness and acceptance of sustainable procurement.
Cooperation and networking:
- Exchanges with other public institutions, networks and professional associations can provide valuable insights and best practices. Joint procurement initiatives can also exploit economies of scale and facilitate access to sustainable products.
How Bruno Wickart can support public institutions
Bruno Wickart offers comprehensive services to support public institutions in implementing sustainable procurement strategies:
Advice on integrating sustainability criteria:
- We help you to develop customized sustainability criteria and integrate them into your procurement process. We take both environmental and social aspects into account.
- Our experts also advise you on the selection of suitable products and materials that meet the highest standards in terms of environmental friendliness and social responsibility.
Training courses and workshops:
- Bruno Wickart offers training courses and workshops to raise your employees‘ awareness of sustainable procurement and provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills.
- We also organize seminars to train tendering processes to ensure that sustainability criteria are correctly formulated and evaluated.
Support with product selection:
- We offer a wide range of sustainable furniture and furnishings that are produced in both an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Our products meet the highest sustainability standards and are certified.
- With our many years of experience, we can help you select the right products that not only meet your functional requirements, but also support your sustainability goals.
Long-term partnerships:
- We see ourselves not just as a supplier, but as a partner. That is why we offer you long-term support in implementing your sustainability goals. This includes regular consultations, support with the implementation of new measures and ongoing training courses.
Conclusion
Sustainable procurement is a key instrument for achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda and promoting sustainable development. Public institutions have the opportunity to make a significant contribution through their procurement decisions. With the right strategies and support from experienced partners like Bruno Wickart, you can overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities to successfully implement sustainable procurement.
Contact us today to find out more about our services and products and start shaping a sustainable future together.
Source information:
https://www.woeb.swiss/de/toolbox