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April 27, 2025
[Expert View] As the urgency for environmental and social responsibility grows, organizations are changing their approach to sustainable purchasing from simply meeting compliance requirements to actively implementing sustainable practices. Barton Finn, our expert on sustainable procurement, emphasizes the rising expectations for transparency, local sourcing, and innovation in procurement strategies.
This article is an edited version of content initially published on Decision-achats.fr.
1. From “why” to “how”
“Ten years ago, convincing organizations to adopt responsible purchasing practices was challenging,” explains Barton Finn. Since then, the debate has moved from “why” to “how.” Awareness has already been raised; the emphasis is now on concrete implementation supported by tools, methodologies and shared resources.
2. From incentive to obligation, and the art of turning it into opportunities
Legislation is evolving rapidly. In Europe, new approaches such as mandatory sustainable public procurement considerations and environmental reporting obligations are transforming a voluntary approach into a legal imperative. “These requirements, directly or indirectly, force companies to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of their purchases,” emphasizes Barton Finn.
3. Increasing demand for reliable data
The accuracy of information regarding products and services is becoming increasingly important. “Companies are now required to provide tangible evidence of their sustainability claims,” emphasizes Barton Finn. This shift, prompted by new regulations and heightened consumer awareness, fosters a more transparent environment. In other words, purchasing departments seek to go beyond mere statements and strengthen their relationships with suppliers by relying on accurate and reliable data.
4. The rise of local purchasing
Due to geopolitical tensions and concerns about supply chains, local purchasing is becoming increasingly important. “The European Union, once a strong advocate for free competition, is starting to favor local suppliers, especially in public procurement,” notes Barton Finn.
5. New dedicated functions
Companies and public administrations are now incorporating specialized roles focused on responsible purchasing. Barton Finn notes, “The increase in skills in this area is remarkable. We are witnessing the emergence of positions such as “Sustainable Purchasing Manager” and “Sustainability Officer,” which demonstrate a serious commitment to sustainability. From a strategic perspective, organizations progressively integrate social responsibility considerations into their purchasing processes to align with sustainable development objectives. Some purchasing functions also contribute to corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly when a significant part of the carbon footprint falls under scope 3 emissions. Additionally, companies are investing in training their teams to incorporate sustainability principles into their purchasing practices.”
6. Increased requirements on supply chains
Companies seek to ensure that their suppliers meet standards equivalent to those applied in Europe, particularly regarding working conditions. Barton Finn explains: “This reflects a growing awareness of the global impact of purchasing on human rights and the environment.” This trend is becoming more acute as consumers and regulators alike demand greater visibility on the origin of products.
7. The rise of technological platforms and tools
Organizations are adopting digital tools to monitor supplier performance and analyze sustainability risks. Barton Finn explains that when you buy products marked with TCO Certified, you can access independently verified data and claims to help you measure sustainability impacts. Data is available in Product Finder, and in the tool Report Generator, you can create customized IT product sustainability reports based on the certified IT products you buy and use.
8. The boom in reconditioned and circular
The market for reconditioned goods, particularly in the IT sector, is experiencing structural development. “This reflects a major change in mentalities, where the circular economy is becoming the norm rather than the exception,” explains Finn. Companies are turning to models that promote product reuse, repair and recycling to reduce their ecological footprint.
Learn more at TCO website.
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category : Topics
April 21, 2025
In ICLEI Member Helsinki (Finland), the Soittaja kindergarten, the tram line to Pasila and the Olympic stadium have little in common at first sight. However, the city has used sustainable public procurement methods in the construction and/or transformation in all these sites, making them more environmentally friendly, circular and adaptable. During the Big Buyers Working Together (BBWT) annual event, organised by ICLEI Europe, public buyers gathering in Helsinki will have the opportunity to visit and learn more about them!
The Soittaja day-care centre is the first Nordic Swan ecolabelled building built by the City of Helsinki. The kindergarten was completed in 2024 and has space for 244 children. Buildings with a Nordic Swan ecolabel pay attention to the well-being of both the environment and the users of the premises. For example, in addition to energy efficiency, the origin of building materials and recycling solutions, the impact of materials on indoor air quality is also taken into account. During the study visit, participants will learn about the construction phase of the project and the application process for the eco-label.
The design and construction of the tramline from Kalatama to Patina was specifically focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation, the promotion of biodiversity and circular economy solution. The visit will also include a stop at the Closing Loops warehouse, built using only recycled materials. The building is one of the few concrete examples of circular economy construction in a permanent setting in the world.
In 1952 Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympic Games. Its Olympic stadium has been recently renovated with a special focus on the environment and circular economy. The visit will focus in particular on procurement of both new turf materials and ways to process old turfs when they reach their end of life. As part of the PlastLIFE project, funded by the EU Life programme, and coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute, the City of Helsinki has been conducting a pilot to procure circular solutions for end-of-life turfs.
Learn more at ICLEI Europe website.
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category : Topics
April 14, 2025
This Results Framework outlines the activities that the 10YFP Secretariat through its One Planet Network proposes to undertake during the biennium 2025 and 2026, subject to available resources, to implement the Global Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production (2023-2030).
The rationale for creating this new Framework is based on incorporating insights from the 2023-2024 Results Framework, while strengthening impact-driven interventions and flagship initiatives to attract stronger financial and political support. This new Results Framework responds to the 10YFP Board’s request for an updated framework, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in advancing the Global Strategy for SCP. The activities for the biennium are structured around the same four outcomes as the 2023-2024 Results Framework, ensuring alignment with the Global Strategy for SCP. For each outcome, a succinct description of the overall objectives, rationale and approach is presented. The outcomes are underpinned by four ‘areas of excellence’ comprised of Public Procurement, Skills and Lifestyles, Consumer Information and Governance & Mainstreaming. These core functions and activities of the Secretariat play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Global Strategy for SCP.
Learn more at UNEP One Planet Network website.
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category : Topics
April 8, 2025
IISD recently launched reports on GPP in India, Indonesia, and South Africa, highlighting key insights and high-level recommendations. It also explored practical tools and strategies to address implementation barriers and unlock GPP’s potential. Watch the recording to learn how these economies are using GPP to advance sustainable development and tackle climate challenges.
This report examines how South Africa can leverage its significant public procurement spending to advance environmental sustainability. It analyzes the current green public procurement (GPP) landscape, regulatory frameworks, and implementation tools, and identifies key barriers and solutions. The report also provides practical recommendations for mainstreaming GPP across all levels of government.
More details at IISD website.
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