Sustainable procurement

Sustainable procurement is a responsible purchasing process, emphasising the need for organisations to take a holistic, triple-bottom-line approach when implementing procurement policies and practices. By embracing sustainable methodologies and observing best practice, businesses can reap corporate benefits while offering broader social, environmental and economic advantages.

Organisations adopting sustainable procurement tools such as sustainable procurement policies, supplier codes of conduct and sustainable contract terms are able to manage their supply chains effectively, minimise risk and increase opportunities. Consultant surveyors must recognise their legal and ethical obligations, along with their responsibility to inform clients about the diverse ways in which sustainable procurement can have a positive impact on individual projects and the entire supply chain.

This section explores the concept of sustainable procurement, assessing the incentives and barriers for buyers of materials, works and services. It surveys the relevant legislation and provides guidance on the relevant standards and certifications, as well as case studies demonstrating best practice.

This section is maintained by Laura Winter, senior surveyor for The Royal Parks.

• RICS standard: Procurement of facility management
• RICS standard: Tendering strategies
• RICS standard: Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment
• Document template: Sustainable procurement basics checklist
• isurv section: Regulated procurement
• isurv section: Social value
• RICS journal article: Law project promotes climate-aligned contracts