Sustainable sourcing incorporates relevant environmental, social and governance considerations into requirements, supplier selection, contracts and ongoing performance. It aims to manage material impacts and risks in the supply chain while still meeting cost, quality, service and continuity needs.
Which issues may be material?
Depending on the category and location, issues can include energy, emissions, water, waste, labor conditions, health and safety, human rights, traceability and business integrity.
How are requirements set?
Prioritize issues using category, geography, product and supplier evidence. Convert broad commitments into measurable specifications, disclosures, certifications or improvement actions appropriate to the risk.
How should suppliers be assessed?
Use proportionate questionnaires, documents, independent certifications, audits, worker or site evidence and corrective-action follow-up. A policy statement alone does not verify operating performance.
How does it affect award decisions?
State the criteria and weight before evaluation, distinguish mandatory conditions from scored improvements and consider lifecycle consequences rather than one unverified claim.
What should contracts and reviews include?
Record data obligations, reporting period, audit or verification rights, corrective actions, escalation and termination conditions. Monitor changes and preserve evidence behind reported outcomes.
