In a world where environmental, social and ethical concerns are taking centre stage, Responsible Purchasing is becoming an essential strategic lever for organisations. The international standard ISO 20400 provides a clear framework for integrating sustainability principles into purchasing processes, while reinforcing commitments to social responsibility.
Responsible Purchasing in Public Procurement
Public procurement, which is subject to strict regulations, plays a key role in the transition to a more sustainable economy. In Europe, the directives governing public procurement encourage the inclusion of environmental and social criteria in calls for tender.
ISO 20400 offers contracting authorities and companies a methodology for :
- Structuring sustainability criteria in specifications.
- Select responsible suppliers on a clear and transparent basis.
- Fostering sustainable innovation through closer collaboration with stakeholders.
Example of good practice in public procurement
- Include mandatory criteria for reducing CO₂ emissions in calls for tender.
- Encourage the use of recycled materials in construction projects.
- Include social clauses, such as the employment of people on work integration schemes.
The key principles of ISO 20400
- Strategic alignment: Responsible Purchasing must reflect Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments and public procurement priorities.
- Life cycle analysis: Taking into account the environmental and social impacts of each product or service at every stage.
- Transparency and ethics: Ensuring business relations based on clarity and respect for human rights.
- Proactive risk management: Identifying environmental, social and financial risks to limit their impact.
Conclusion: Responsible Purchasing, a lever for more sustainable markets
Adopting Responsible Purchasing in accordance with ISO 20400 means going beyond mere regulatory obligations. It means making purchasing a real lever for change, by aligning economic efficiency with a positive impact on society and the environment. For public procurement, it means meeting the growing expectations of citizens and institutions in terms of sustainability.
- Source: ISO 20400 - Sustainable Procurement
- Source: UE - European Directive 2014/24/EU on Public Procurement
- Source: UK Government - Sustainable Procurement Tools
- Source: OECD - Guidance on Public Procurement
Aria Partner: Your ally for responsible and efficient purchasing
At Aria Partner, we help companies and contracting authorities to integrate the principles of sustainable procurement into their processes, while complying with public procurement requirements. Together, we can turn your procurement into a driver for innovation and change!
Responsible Purchasing: A Strategic Opportunity with the ISO 20400 Standard