Sustainable Sourcing Strategies for Direct Material Buyers

Procurement teams are fundamental in guiding their organizations to become low-cost producers. But how much influence do they have on their companies becoming low-carbon producers?

The reality is that each time a purchaser chooses a supplier, they directly influence their company’s carbon footprint. And while many companies have focused on measuring the footprint of their internal operations and energy consumption, there is growing interest and investment in low-carbon sourcing and procurement in a bid to reduce Scope 3 emissions.

It’s for good reason. Environmentally responsible sourcing can bolster customer loyalty, strengthen brand value, and boost sales and profits. “Green” sourcing can also raise the status and profile of the procurement profession, becoming a marketing tool for senior management to increase sales and profitability.

The key is knowing which questions to ask suppliers about their manufacturing and operating practices.

In this session, we’ll walk through a practical framework for evaluating Scope 3 emissions, comparing sourcing scenarios, and identifying high-impact opportunities to reduce carbon emissions across categories like aluminum and steel.

Below is our four-step framework for identifying opportunities to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.