Although many e-negotiation solution providers claim to have Standard Operating Procedures in place to support green sourcing, to much of that is just green wash?
A first step for companies is to develop an SOP that includes evaluating your existing and potential new sources supply. A good way to begin this process is to author a GREEN RFI prior to all e-negotiation events. Eliminate the suppliers that don’t seem to have any SOP’s in place based on their RFI responses. Upon event completion hold low bid suppliers accountable by visiting those suppliers’ facilities prior to the actual award of business and base your final decision on RFI result confirmation. During the RFI process make insure that the following types of questions are included with which to evaluate your existing and new sources supply.
1. Please list all of your companies CSR initiatives.
2. Does your company support TBL reporting?
3. What environmental permits and certifications are in place?
4. Do you have readily available audit results?
5. Please list all of your pollution prevention controls.
6. What are your hazardous materials handling process.
7. What is your waste management plan?
8. What do you do to insure clean air emissions?
9. Does your company maintain product formulas and content traceability?
10. Please list your product safety plans and certifications.
11. Do construction projects follow LEED?
Once suppliers have been retained or selected, offer to train them as to how to include this process with their own sources of supply and other business partners. This may include offering how your trace the overall benefits of being a green company to your bottom line (TBL) as well as other initiatives you have taken internally with associates and other stake holders to support your internal CSR initiatives.
We look forward to and appreciate your comments.
