Programs do not need to have certifications associated with them in order to be an important part of retailers procurement process and supporting CSR initiatives. The Design for the Environment Program is a great example.

The Design for the Environment Program can drive a simple set of questions that can
insure that the products you offer your consumers are environmentally safe.

The Design for the Environment (DfE) Program works in partnership with a broad range of stakeholders to reduce risk to people and the environment by preventing pollution.
The Design for the Environment Program is a United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) program that works to prevent pollution, and the risk pollution presents to humans and the environment The use of Life cycle assessment (LCA) is employed to forecast the impacts of different (production) alternatives of the product in question, thus being able to choose the environmentally most friendly. The program also includes several subsidiary approaches, such as Design for Disassembly.

Since 1992, the DfE Program has worked with more than 18 industrial sectors to empower industry to incorporate environmental considerations, along with performance and cost considerations, into decision-making processes. By doing so, companies provide environmental protection more effectively and efficiently by using cleaner technologies. This Web site highlights findings and impacts of the DfE Program.

What process does your e-procurement solution provider follow in order to support your Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives (CSR)?

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