IMPLEMENTING A GREEN PROCUREMENT PROGRAM

1. Organizational support: Implementing a green procurement program means changing policies and procedures. For it to be successful, it is essential that management supports the initiative fully. In addition, those charged with making purchasing decisions must be involved in the implementation process. Their suggestions and support are critical.
2. Self-evaluation: An important step in implementing green procurement is conducting an evaluation of present purchasing practices. This process will help to clarify what is purchased, in what quantities, from where and at what price. The evaluation will provide a baseline, in order to measure future success and to focus the development of green procurement goals.
3. Set goals: A broad policy should be established, and specific priorities and targets set.
4. Develop a strategy: It is now to time to identify and implement changes, both short and long-term, identify suitable products and services, and evaluate the environmental performance of suppliers.
5. Run a pilot project: A pilot project can provide practical experience in purchasing green products and services, by applying green procurement principles to a specific product or service. Pilot projects can be used to generate more detailed guidance on
purchasing practices.
6. Implementation: Implementing the green procurement program will require an assignment of accountability, plus a well-designed communications plan addressing employees, customers, investors, suppliers and the public.
7. Sustainment: As with all business practices, it is important that a systematic review of the green procurement program be carried out, in order to establish whether the scheme is meeting its goals and objectives. The review should take into account changing environmental goals.