http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/05/08/ibm-gsk-herman-miller-see-healthy-roi-from-green-purchasing/ The Executive's Daily Green Briefing Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:58:43 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/05/08/ibm-gsk-herman-miller-see-healthy-roi-from-green-purchasing/comment-page-1/#comment-53146 Annie Berger Thu, 08 May 2008 18:54:44 +0000 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/05/08/ibm-gsk-herman-miller-see-healthy-roi-from-green-purchasing/#comment-53146 Green purchasing is a incredible lever for organizations not only because of the tremendous environmental benefit but also from the far extent that its practices reach. If we consider that in most organizations the supply chain accounts for 50%,60%, even 70% of the footprint, there are fewer opportunities that are better matched to make meaningful improvements across any indsutry. The "environmental strategic sourcing" element extends not to just our supplier network upstream but throughout the product development cycle with dfe(design-for-environment) considerations, LCA, and our carbon footprint just to brush on the surface. Add to that the ability to apply "LEAN & CLEAN" principles along the entire supply chain to reduce muda (waste) and incorporate environmental criteria as part of SRM (supplier relationship management). Interestingly, though, 42% of companies in one survey that I'm very familiar with stated that "lack of knowledge of green purchasing skills" was the greatest barrier to implementing a strategy. Further, only about one-third of organizations today include their supply chain as part of their sustainability strategy. I find that amazing given how I began the conversation - the supply chain accounts for most of a company's opportunity to make environmental stewardship strides. Green purchasing is a incredible lever for organizations not only because of the tremendous environmental benefit but also from the far extent that its practices reach. If we consider that in most organizations the supply chain accounts for 50%,60%, even 70% of the footprint, there are fewer opportunities that are better matched to make meaningful improvements across any indsutry. The “environmental strategic sourcing” element extends not to just our supplier network upstream but throughout the product development cycle with dfe(design-for-environment) considerations, LCA, and our carbon footprint just to brush on the surface. Add to that the ability to apply “LEAN & CLEAN” principles along the entire supply chain to reduce muda (waste) and incorporate environmental criteria as part of SRM (supplier relationship management). Interestingly, though, 42% of companies in one survey that I’m very familiar with stated that “lack of knowledge of green purchasing skills” was the greatest barrier to implementing a strategy. Further, only about one-third of organizations today include their supply chain as part of their sustainability strategy. I find that amazing given how I began the conversation – the supply chain accounts for most of a company’s opportunity to make environmental stewardship strides.

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