Sustainable Procurement

An Introduction to the Sustainable Procurement Agenda for London’s Elected Members

Three Important Concepts

• Sustainability

• Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Procurement

Sustainable ProcurementMeans buying goods and services in a way that

achieves whole life value for money

minimises damage to the environment

provides benefits to local society improves the local economy

The 3 spheres of Sustainable Procurement

The Scale of the Issue in LondonCouncils in London spend over £10bn buying in goods and services

1 in 6 of Londoner’s of working age have a disability

Over 200,000 are unemployed people in the Capital

25% of London businesses are BME owned

Many are small to medium enterprises (SME)

London produces 44 million tonnes of CO2 each year

Londoners generate 1.5 tonnes of waste every year

Sustainable Procurement can…• Deliver cashable Efficiency Savings

• Achieve Community & Social objectives

• Improve the Local Economy

• Help to meet Climate Change targets

• Assist in reducing Waste & Increasing recycling

• Improve the Council’s public image

Best Practice Case Studies

• The Islington Business Enterprise Team

• LB Camden Temporary Staff Contract

• London Fire Brigade Furniture Disposal

Key Questions…

• Can Sustainable Procurement deliver VFM?

• What about the EU Procurement Regulations?

Targets & Drivers• UK Sustainable Development Strategy

• Procuring the Future

• The Local Government Sustainable Procurement Strategy

• LAA & CAA targets

• CSR 07

• EU Landfill & Climate Change targets

Councils can lead on Sustainable Procurement by…• Awareness raising & capacity building

• Nominating champions

• Awarding contracts on the basis of whole life costs & benefits

• Collaborating with others

• Using quick wins

• Linking it to key work objectives through the performance management system

Your role as an elected member• Sustainable procurement is a strategic priority

• Link to the Sustainable Community Strategy

• Ensure that major procurements address sustainability

• VFM Reviews & a role for Scrutiny

• Promote your successes & Talk to the Community

Key Messages

• Elected members have a crucial role in delivering Sustainable Procurement

• Sustainable is more than just “green” and it does not equal “expensive”

• Ownership & Commitment are Key

• Sustainable Procurement is increasingly important in meeting Government goals and targets

• Help make sustainable procurement “standard” and not just an afterthought