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. Through the adoption of sustainable tools and best practice, corporate benefits may be realised while also bringing wider 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 effectively manage their supply chains, minimise risk and increase opportunity. Consultant surveyors should be aware of their legal and moral responsibilities, and their duty to advise clients of the various ways sustainable procurement can affect individual projects and the broader supply chain.

This section explores the concept of sustainable procurement, assessing the drivers 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 of Hamways Ltd.

Feature: Sustainable procurement: benefits

isurv section: Regulated procurement

isurv section: Social value

RICS standard: Procurement of facility management

RICS standard: Sustainability: improving performance in existing buildings

RICS standard: Tendering strategies

RICS standard: Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment