Green procurement isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s a real, urgent priority for companies that want to stay competitive, relevant, and responsible. Enterprises across the globe are transforming the way they source goods and services by aligning their procurement strategies with environmental and ethical goals.
1. 81% of enterprises consider sustainability when selecting suppliers
Sustainability is a business necessity now
When more than 8 out of 10 enterprises are factoring sustainability into supplier selection, it’s clear the landscape has changed. This isn’t a PR exercise — it’s about risk management, compliance, reputation, and long-term value.
Companies are realizing that working with suppliers who don’t align with their environmental goals exposes them to real risks. Whether it’s regulatory issues, PR backlash, or inefficiencies in carbon-heavy processes, bad supplier choices can cost you more than money.
What you can do
Start by adding sustainability as a key pillar in your supplier evaluation criteria. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask questions like:
- Do they use renewable energy?
- What waste management practices do they follow?
- Are they certified under any environmental standards?
Don’t just take their word for it — request documentation. If your suppliers are in countries with lax regulations, add a little more scrutiny. Use audits or request third-party assessments.
Another good practice is to build a green supplier scorecard. Rate suppliers based on key sustainability factors. Over time, give preference to those with better scores and provide guidance to those who want to improve.
Also, communicate openly with your suppliers. Let them know that sustainability matters to your business and you expect them to evolve too. That message alone can create momentum.
2. 69% of supply chain leaders are investing in green procurement strategies
This is where the money is going
Procurement leaders aren’t just talking about sustainability. They’re putting real budget behind it. Why? Because they’re seeing clear value — from cost savings to risk reduction and improved customer loyalty.
When nearly 70% of supply chain executives are making actual investments in this space, you’re either ahead or you’re behind.
What you can do
Look at where your current procurement budget is going. Is any portion of it allocated to sustainability improvements?
You can start small. For example, invest in software that tracks carbon emissions in your sourcing activities. Or, fund training for your procurement team so they understand what sustainable sourcing really means.
Some companies offer financial incentives to suppliers that adopt green practices. Others invest in collaborative platforms that help multiple suppliers improve at once.
Also consider revisiting your total cost of ownership calculations. Traditional procurement often looks at price alone. But if you factor in disposal costs, lifecycle emissions, and regulatory risks, suddenly the “cheaper” option may not be cheaper at all.
3. 74% of global consumers expect companies to use sustainable materials
Your customers are watching
Today’s customers aren’t passive. They care about where products come from, what they’re made of, and how they’re disposed of. And they’re not shy about switching to a brand that shares their values.
If nearly three-quarters of consumers expect sustainable materials, then using them is no longer a competitive edge — it’s the baseline.
What you can do
Make sure sustainability is visible — not just in your actions but in your messaging.
If you’re already using eco-friendly materials, showcase that clearly in product labeling, marketing, and supply chain disclosures. Consumers trust transparency. Show them the journey of your product, from raw material to final delivery.
If you’re still transitioning, start by identifying which materials in your supply chain have the highest environmental impact. Look at their sourcing methods, transportation, and disposal.
Work with your product teams to redesign components using recycled, biodegradable, or renewable materials. Don’t aim for perfection on day one — aim for progress. Even replacing one component with a greener alternative can be a strong first step.
Also, collaborate with suppliers who specialize in sustainable inputs. These partnerships can lead to innovation, better pricing, and faster transition timelines.
4. 58% of companies now include environmental criteria in supplier scorecards
Scorecards are getting greener
Supplier scorecards used to be all about price, quality, and delivery time. Now, environmental performance is becoming just as important. It makes sense. If your suppliers are polluting, that reflects on you.
Scorecards are a simple yet powerful way to turn sustainability into a measurable metric.
What you can do
If you already use supplier scorecards, add environmental KPIs. Some ideas include:
- Emission intensity per unit supplied
- Percentage of recycled or renewable materials used
- Compliance with key environmental certifications (like ISO 14001)
If you don’t yet use a scorecard, now is a great time to start. Even a basic one can provide structure and accountability.
Keep the metrics simple and fair. Not every supplier will be able to overhaul their practices overnight, but everyone can take steps.
Another tip — share the scorecards with your suppliers. Let them see where they stand and where they can improve. This builds trust and encourages collaboration.
Also, consider giving recognition or preferred status to top performers. That kind of incentive can go a long way in shifting behaviors.
5. 45% of procurement teams have formal sustainable sourcing policies
Policy drives practice
When nearly half of procurement teams have a written, formal sustainable sourcing policy, you know this isn’t a side project anymore. It’s part of core business strategy.
Policies bring consistency. They reduce ambiguity. They help your team make better decisions under pressure.
What you can do
Start by creating a simple, clear sustainable sourcing policy. You don’t need to write a novel. Just define what sustainability means to your business and how it will influence procurement decisions.
Your policy can include:
- Preferred sourcing practices
- Expectations from suppliers
- Key materials to avoid or phase out
- Reporting and compliance guidelines
Once written, train your team on it. Make it part of onboarding. Review it annually. And make sure it ties back to your broader sustainability goals.
Also, communicate it externally. Post it on your website. Share it with vendors. Let them know this isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a serious commitment.
If you already have a policy, audit it. Is it up to date? Is it being followed? Are there areas where you’re falling short?
Turn that policy into a living document — something that evolves with your business and the changing sustainability landscape.
6. 63% of companies say green procurement improves brand reputation
Your brand image depends on your choices
A majority of companies are now realizing that sustainable procurement isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for their image too. When you source responsibly, customers, partners, and investors notice.
Reputation matters more than ever. A strong brand image can drive sales, attract better talent, and even help negotiate better deals with stakeholders.
What you can do
If you haven’t yet connected the dots between your procurement practices and your brand, now’s the time.
Start by aligning your marketing and procurement teams. They should be talking regularly. What your procurement team does behind the scenes can be powerful content for your marketing campaigns.
Highlight your supplier relationships. If you’re working with vendors that champion environmental practices, tell that story. Showcasing partnerships with ethical suppliers builds credibility.
Make your achievements public. Share sustainability progress in your annual report. Include it in customer newsletters. Use social media to highlight behind-the-scenes efforts like switching to eco-friendly packaging or cutting emissions in logistics.
Also, keep an eye on your competitors. If they’re pushing green procurement and you’re not, you’re falling behind in the eyes of your audience.
Reputation can take years to build and seconds to break. Don’t risk it by ignoring the importance of sustainable sourcing.
7. 39% of firms assess carbon footprint as part of supplier evaluation
Emissions are becoming a deal-breaker
Almost 4 in 10 companies now factor in carbon footprint when assessing suppliers. That’s a significant shift from just a few years ago when cost and speed ruled everything.
The carbon impact of your supply chain could be higher than you think — often accounting for more emissions than your direct operations. This is why companies are digging deeper into their vendor data.
What you can do
Begin by asking your suppliers to share their carbon data. This could include emissions from production, transportation, and packaging. Not all vendors will have this information readily available, but many are starting to track it.
If you don’t know where to start, focus on your top-tier suppliers first. They usually contribute the most to your total emissions and often have more resources to measure their own impact.
Next, use tools or software to model emissions across your supply chain. Some platforms estimate emissions even if actual data is missing, using benchmarks by industry or material type.
Once you have this information, build it into your evaluation process. For example, if two vendors are equal in cost and quality but one emits less CO2 per shipment, give them the edge.
Don’t stop there. Set reduction targets. Ask suppliers to reduce emissions over time and support them in doing so — through better logistics planning, material choices, or cleaner energy.
This move helps you lower your Scope 3 emissions, a growing area of focus for regulators and ESG investors.
8. 72% of enterprises expect suppliers to align with ESG standards
ESG compliance is the new normal
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards aren’t just for corporations anymore. Now, enterprises expect their entire supplier base to meet the same criteria.
Suppliers are becoming an extension of your brand. If they fall short on ESG, so do you. With 72% of enterprises setting this expectation, ESG is now a basic requirement, not a nice-to-have.
What you can do
Start by clearly defining your ESG expectations. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel — use frameworks like the UN Global Compact or the GRI Standards as your foundation.
Next, create a supplier code of conduct. This document should spell out what you expect from vendors in terms of:
- Environmental protection
- Ethical labor practices
- Anti-corruption policies
- Transparency and reporting
Once that’s in place, send it to all suppliers and require acknowledgment. For new suppliers, make it a requirement before onboarding.
Then, assess compliance. Conduct audits, request third-party assessments, or use online ESG rating tools.
Also, don’t assume one size fits all. Some suppliers may be small businesses with limited resources. Instead of cutting them out, offer support. Provide tools, training, or co-funding initiatives that help them meet your ESG standards over time.
By helping your suppliers grow into more responsible partners, you strengthen your own supply chain resilience.
9. 30% of procurement contracts now include sustainability KPIs
Green goals are becoming contract terms
When nearly a third of procurement contracts include sustainability metrics, it signals a big shift in accountability. Now, it’s not just about promising green goals — it’s about delivering them, with real numbers.
Adding sustainability KPIs into contracts turns lofty goals into measurable commitments.
What you can do
Start by reviewing your current supplier contracts. Are there any sustainability targets mentioned? If not, begin adding them for future agreements.
KPIs don’t need to be complex. Some easy-to-measure examples include:
- Use of recycled materials
- Reduction in packaging waste
- Percentage of renewable energy used in production
- Carbon footprint per shipment
Be realistic. Set achievable goals, especially for newer vendors or those in developing regions. Build flexibility by including phased milestones instead of hard deadlines.
To ensure follow-through, tie these KPIs to performance bonuses or penalties. When suppliers know that sustainability directly affects their bottom line, they take it seriously.
Also, track performance regularly — not just at contract renewal. Quarterly check-ins or dashboards can help you stay on top of targets and address issues early.
Contracts that include green KPIs push both parties to stay accountable and aligned.
10. 55% of organizations screen suppliers for compliance with green regulations
Legal risk is part of the equation now
Over half of companies are now vetting suppliers for environmental compliance. And with increasing global regulations, that number will keep rising.
From EU carbon border taxes to extended producer responsibility laws, green regulations are reshaping global trade. If your supplier breaks the law, your company might pay the price.
What you can do
Start by understanding the major environmental laws that apply in your markets. These can include emissions caps, waste handling regulations, chemical restrictions, and more.
Once you know the rules, check if your suppliers comply with them. You can do this by requesting documentation like:
- Environmental permits
- Waste disposal certificates
- Compliance audits
- ISO 14001 certifications
Don’t just rely on paperwork. Perform occasional site visits or hire third-party inspectors, especially for high-risk regions or industries.
If you work with many suppliers, consider using digital compliance platforms that monitor environmental risks across multiple countries and regulations.
Also, update your procurement checklist. Before onboarding a new supplier, include a step to screen for environmental compliance.
Legal risks are serious — from fines to shipment delays to bans on your product. It’s better to prevent issues than to scramble for damage control later.
11. 46% of Fortune 500 companies have net-zero or science-based targets influencing procurement
Big goals need smart sourcing
Almost half of Fortune 500 companies now have net-zero or science-based emissions targets. These are ambitious goals that touch every part of the business — especially procurement.
You can’t hit your carbon targets if your suppliers are polluting freely. That’s why procurement is being pulled into the sustainability spotlight.
What you can do
Start by aligning your procurement function with your sustainability team. These two groups should no longer work in silos. Your purchasing choices directly impact your company’s carbon footprint.
If your company has a net-zero goal, break it down into supplier categories. Where do most emissions come from? Who are your top contributors? Focus on those first.
Ask suppliers what they’re doing to support your targets. Are they measuring emissions? Are they switching to clean energy? What’s their roadmap for reducing their environmental impact?
It’s okay if not all of them are there yet. What matters is that they’re willing to move in the right direction.
Incorporate carbon targets into vendor contracts. For example, you could require suppliers to cut their emissions by 20% over five years. Or to source 50% of their electricity from renewables within three years.
Also, invest in tools that track progress. You’ll need reliable data to show how supplier emissions are trending over time — both for your own reporting and for accountability.
Having net-zero goals is important. But it’s only real when your supply chain is part of the equation.
12. 61% of chief procurement officers (CPOs) cite sustainability as a top priority
Leadership is all in on sustainability
When six out of ten CPOs say that sustainability is a top priority, you know it’s no longer just about cost savings. Procurement is being redefined — from a support function to a value driver.
This shift is creating opportunities for innovation, stronger supplier relationships, and more meaningful impact across the board.
What you can do
If you’re in procurement leadership, lead by example. Make sustainability part of your core objectives. It should show up in team KPIs, performance reviews, and quarterly reports.
Hold regular strategy sessions with your team on sustainable sourcing. Don’t assume everyone is on the same page. Provide clear direction and make it a collaborative effort.
Also, advocate for budget. Sustainability requires investment — in technology, training, and often in the early stages of supplier transitions. If you treat green sourcing as a cost center, it will always stay at the bottom of the list.
Partner with other departments too. Finance can help calculate long-term value. Marketing can amplify your progress. Legal can strengthen supplier contracts to reflect your goals.
Finally, look beyond the low-hanging fruit. Switching to recyclable packaging is great, but what about raw material sourcing or transport emissions?
Leadership means thinking big, acting with purpose, and inspiring your team to do the same.
13. 50% of firms require suppliers to report on emissions and energy usage
Data is the new standard
Half of companies are now requiring suppliers to share information on their emissions and energy use. Why? Because without data, you can’t track impact or make improvements.
Transparency is becoming a basic expectation. Companies want to know how their supply chain operates — not just in theory, but in hard numbers.
What you can do
Start with a simple request: ask your suppliers to share their latest emissions and energy data. Even if it’s rough, it’s a starting point.
For suppliers that don’t track this yet, guide them. Recommend tools or services that can help. Some companies even co-fund these initiatives to accelerate the learning curve.
Make it part of your supplier onboarding process. New vendors should know that data sharing is required from day one.
Also, standardize the reporting format. Use templates or digital platforms to keep data consistent and easy to analyze. This reduces friction for suppliers and helps you compare performance more clearly.
Once you have the data, analyze it. Look for high-energy users, inefficient processes, or sudden spikes. Then, work with those vendors to reduce impact through cleaner production methods or better logistics planning.
The more you know, the better choices you can make — and the more trust you build with customers and regulators.
14. 33% of companies use lifecycle assessments to evaluate product sourcing
Looking beyond the purchase order
Lifecycle assessment (LCA) is a method for evaluating the total environmental impact of a product — from raw material extraction to final disposal. One in three companies now uses this approach in sourcing decisions.
That means they’re not just asking, “What does it cost today?” but also, “What will it cost the planet tomorrow?”
What you can do
Start by learning the basics of LCA. You don’t need to be a scientist — just understand that it includes all stages of a product’s life: sourcing, manufacturing, transport, use, and disposal.
Work with suppliers to get information on these stages. If you’re sourcing a plastic component, ask:
- What type of plastic is it?
- Is it recycled or virgin material?
- What emissions are involved in its production?
- How far does it travel?
You can also use software tools or consult firms that specialize in lifecycle assessments. They can help you identify products with high hidden environmental costs.
Once you’ve done a few LCAs, use the results to guide decisions. Maybe a slightly more expensive product has a lower total impact — and that makes it the smarter long-term choice.
Also, use LCA findings to inform product redesigns. If a certain material or process is causing a spike in emissions, work with your design team to find alternatives.
Lifecycle thinking encourages smarter, more sustainable decisions at every stage — not just at the point of purchase.
15. 43% of enterprises collaborate with suppliers on emission reduction
Teamwork makes sustainability work
Almost half of enterprises now work directly with suppliers to cut emissions. That’s because meaningful progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes partnership, trust, and shared goals.
When suppliers and buyers collaborate, they can uncover new ways to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and innovate together.
What you can do
Start by identifying suppliers who are open to collaboration. These are often your long-term partners, or those with shared values and growth goals.
Invite them into the conversation. Host joint workshops, set shared sustainability targets, or run pilot projects together. For example, you might co-develop a greener packaging solution or streamline logistics to cut transport emissions.
Also, offer support. Share tools, training, or best practices. Many suppliers — especially small ones — want to do better but don’t know where to start.
Another effective tactic is to recognize and reward progress. Publicly highlight successful supplier partnerships in your sustainability reports or events.
Over time, create a formal supplier engagement program. This can include scorecards, feedback loops, and tiered incentives for improvement.
When you collaborate, you build stronger relationships and better results — both environmentally and commercially.
16. 40% of procurement professionals report pressure from investors to go green
Money talks — and it wants sustainability
Nearly half of procurement professionals now feel investor pressure to make greener choices. This isn’t just about doing good anymore — it’s about delivering long-term value that investors can believe in.
Sustainability has become a financial risk — and an opportunity. Investors are watching your supply chain decisions closely.
What you can do
First, understand the kind of ESG metrics investors care about. They want to see reduced emissions, supply chain resilience, resource efficiency, and responsible sourcing.
Your job is to show how procurement contributes to those outcomes.
Start by aligning your sourcing goals with ESG benchmarks. Pick a framework like SASB, TCFD, or CDP and map your procurement activities to their metrics.
Next, build reporting capabilities. Track how much of your spend goes to sustainable suppliers, how your emissions are trending, or how much waste you’ve diverted through better sourcing.
Share this data with your finance team. They can package it into investor communications — annual reports, sustainability disclosures, or ESG dashboards.
Also, prepare for questions. Investors may ask: What happens if one of your major suppliers faces an environmental scandal? Are you exposed to raw material shortages caused by climate change? Can your suppliers adapt to new carbon taxes?
The more you prepare, the more confidently you can answer — and the more credible your strategy becomes.
Green procurement is no longer a “nice extra” for investors. It’s a core part of the value story.
17. 35% of suppliers have been deselected due to environmental performance
Poor environmental behavior comes at a cost
One in three suppliers has lost business because they didn’t meet environmental expectations. That’s a loud and clear message — sustainability now affects survival.
It’s no longer just about being the cheapest or fastest. If your environmental standards are low, you’re at risk of being dropped.
What you can do
Be clear with suppliers from the start. Set expectations around environmental performance and put them in writing — through policies, scorecards, and contracts.
Communicate that these aren’t optional. Share your sustainability goals and show how suppliers play a role in achieving them.
If a supplier falls short, don’t immediately cut ties. First, give them a chance to improve. Offer support, training, or a roadmap with clear milestones.
But if they’re unwilling or unable to change, you need to act. Keeping non-compliant suppliers weakens your own sustainability credibility and increases business risk.
Create an internal escalation process. When a supplier is flagged for poor environmental performance, procurement, legal, and sustainability teams should meet to decide the next steps.
Also, have a pipeline of alternate suppliers who are environmentally responsible. This reduces the risk of disruption if you need to make a switch.
Remember: deselection isn’t about punishment — it’s about protecting your values, your brand, and your long-term viability.
18. 52% of procurement leaders tie green initiatives to cost savings
Going green can save green
More than half of procurement leaders have found that sustainable sourcing actually cuts costs. It might sound surprising at first — isn’t green stuff supposed to cost more?
But when you look deeper, green procurement often leads to better efficiency, less waste, and smarter use of resources.
What you can do
Rethink how you measure cost. Don’t just focus on price per unit. Look at the total cost of ownership — including energy use, waste disposal, and long-term operational impact.
For example, a supplier using reusable packaging might have a higher upfront cost, but lower overall expense compared to single-use packaging that piles up in waste fees.
Another area to explore is energy-efficient production. Suppliers who invest in clean tech often pass some savings down the chain — and reduce your carbon exposure.
You can also negotiate shared-savings contracts. These agreements allow both you and the supplier to benefit financially from sustainability improvements, like reducing waste or optimizing shipping routes.
Don’t forget about regulatory savings. Sourcing responsibly can help avoid fines, audits, and compliance headaches — which saves both money and stress.
Sometimes, the savings are indirect. A more sustainable supply chain may lead to better customer retention, improved investor confidence, or smoother operations during disruptions.
The key is to stop thinking of green procurement as a cost center. It’s often a smarter, leaner, more resilient way to do business.
19. 64% of global supply chains are being redesigned for sustainability
Supply chains are being reimagined
Nearly two-thirds of companies are now redesigning their supply chains to meet sustainability goals. This isn’t a patch or a fix — it’s a full transformation.
From reshoring production to rethinking packaging, enterprises are changing the very structure of how goods are sourced, made, and delivered.
What you can do
Start by mapping your supply chain from end to end. Identify where the biggest environmental impacts occur — emissions, water use, waste generation, or material sourcing.
Then, explore options for redesign:
- Can you shorten the supply chain to reduce emissions from transport?
- Can you switch to local suppliers who use greener materials?
- Can you collaborate with logistics partners to consolidate shipments?
Also, consider moving to more modular or circular supply chain models. Instead of a linear “take-make-dispose” approach, explore ways to reuse parts, refurbish products, or recycle materials at end-of-life.
Digital tools can help here. Use supply chain visualization platforms or sustainability analytics to test redesign scenarios before making real-world changes.
Involve your suppliers early. A redesign works best when everyone is aligned and working together — especially when it comes to setting new standards and capabilities.
Redesigning a supply chain is a big move. But with environmental pressure growing, it’s also one of the most powerful ways to future-proof your business.
20. 44% of large enterprises apply circular economy principles in sourcing
Waste is being redefined as value
Almost half of large enterprises are now applying circular economy ideas to sourcing. That means thinking about how to keep materials in use longer — not just consuming and discarding.
The circular approach turns waste into opportunity and makes sourcing smarter, leaner, and more resilient.
What you can do
Start by learning the basics of circular sourcing. It means designing procurement processes that prioritize reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling.
For example, can you source refurbished equipment instead of brand-new units? Can your packaging be reused multiple times? Can product components be returned and reassembled?
Work with suppliers who offer take-back programs or closed-loop systems. These programs collect used materials and reintegrate them into the production cycle.
Also, think about design. If your products are easier to disassemble, they’re easier to recycle. That impacts not just manufacturing but also what materials you procure in the first place.
Collaborate with your product team and suppliers to identify materials that can stay in circulation — not end up in landfills.
Don’t forget to track progress. Measure how much waste you’ve avoided, how many materials were reused, or how long components stayed in the system.
Circular sourcing reduces environmental impact, builds supply resilience, and sends a strong message that your business is thinking beyond short-term transactions.
21. 28% of procurement teams use blockchain for traceable sourcing
Trust through transparency
More than a quarter of procurement teams now use blockchain to track and verify where their products come from. Why? Because traceability builds trust — with customers, regulators, and internal stakeholders.
Blockchain offers a tamper-proof, transparent record of every transaction, material, and movement. That’s powerful when you need to prove your supply chain is clean, ethical, and green.
What you can do
You don’t need to be a tech expert to get started with blockchain. The first step is understanding what you want to trace. Is it the origin of raw materials? Carbon footprint per unit? Certifications for fair trade or forest management?
Once you know your priorities, look for blockchain platforms that specialize in supply chain traceability. Many are designed specifically for sectors like fashion, food, or electronics.
Collaborate with a few key suppliers to pilot the solution. Record transactions from source to final delivery — and see how that data helps you make better procurement decisions.
Also, think about how this can support your reporting and marketing. With blockchain, you can say, “We know exactly where this came from, and here’s the proof.”
If your industry is prone to greenwashing or supply chain scandals, this kind of verification can give you a real competitive edge.
Finally, don’t get overwhelmed. You don’t need to blockchain your entire supply chain overnight. Start small, learn the process, and scale from there.
Traceable sourcing builds credibility — and blockchain is making that easier than ever.
22. 57% of procurement policies include social responsibility alongside environmental factors
Green alone isn’t enough
While environmental impact is a major concern, more than half of procurement policies now also include social responsibility. That means looking at labor conditions, community impact, and human rights — not just emissions.
A truly sustainable supply chain cares about people as much as the planet.
What you can do
Start by reviewing your existing procurement policies. Do they mention anything about fair wages, safe working conditions, or diversity?
If not, it’s time to update them.
Include clear language about your expectations around:
- No child or forced labor
- Safe, ethical working environments
- Fair wages and working hours
- Respect for local communities and indigenous rights
Make these values non-negotiable. Ask suppliers to sign a code of conduct. Conduct audits or request certifications like SA8000.
Also, think locally. Can you source from small, minority-owned, or community-based businesses? Social procurement doesn’t always mean big policy changes — sometimes it’s about who you choose to buy from.
Train your procurement team on social risk indicators. Make it part of supplier evaluation and onboarding.
And don’t forget to share the story. Highlight your social impact in annual reports or on your website. Customers and partners want to know you’re walking the talk.
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment. It’s also about dignity, equity, and justice in your supply chain.
23. 48% of companies train procurement staff on sustainability
People drive progress
Nearly half of companies now train their procurement teams in sustainability. Because no matter how strong your policies or goals are, they only work if your people understand and apply them.
Training is how you turn good intentions into everyday action.
What you can do
Start with a simple training plan. It doesn’t have to be a massive investment. Even a few focused workshops or online courses can create a big mindset shift.
Focus on practical knowledge. Teach your team:
- How to identify green suppliers
- What to look for in sustainability certifications
- How to include environmental KPIs in contracts
- How to handle supplier conversations around change
Tailor the training to different roles. A category manager might need deeper knowledge about material impacts, while a procurement analyst might focus more on data tracking.
Bring in experts. Invite sustainability consultants or vendors with green credentials to speak. Real-world examples help people connect the dots.
Also, make training continuous. Sustainability is evolving fast — new laws, new tools, new risks. Refresh sessions quarterly or yearly to stay up to date.
Don’t make it a checkbox. Make it a culture.
When your team understands sustainability, they become smarter, more strategic, and more aligned with the future of procurement.
24. 66% of enterprises are investing in digital tools for sustainable sourcing
Tech is making it easier to go green
Two-thirds of enterprises are now putting money into digital tools that support sustainable sourcing. Because tracking emissions, supplier data, and material flows manually just isn’t realistic anymore.
Technology helps you act faster, make better decisions, and see the bigger picture.
What you can do
Start by identifying the biggest pain points in your sourcing process. Is it data collection? Supplier comparisons? Lifecycle analysis?
Then explore tools that solve that specific problem. There are platforms for:
- Emissions tracking
- Supplier ESG scoring
- Sustainable product catalogs
- Lifecycle impact analysis
- Circular supply chain mapping
You don’t need to buy the biggest, flashiest system. Start with something simple that integrates with your current tools and helps your team get smarter, not more overwhelmed.
Also, involve your procurement team in tool selection. They’ll be using it daily, so make sure the interface and features work for their needs.
Once the system is in place, standardize how it’s used. Create dashboards, reporting templates, and review cycles so that data turns into action.
And don’t stop with tools. Use the data you collect to guide policies, strategy, and innovation.
The right tech won’t make you sustainable overnight — but it will make the journey faster, smoother, and more insightful.
25. 38% of supplier audits now assess environmental practices
Audits are evolving with the times
Almost 4 in 10 supplier audits now include checks on environmental practices. That means the focus is shifting beyond price, quality, and safety — and into how suppliers manage their impact on the planet.
Audits are becoming a powerful accountability tool.
What you can do
If you’re conducting supplier audits, start including environmental indicators. These could include:
- Waste management practices
- Energy efficiency
- Emissions data
- Chemical usage
- Compliance with environmental permits
You don’t need to go it alone. Use environmental audit templates or partner with a third-party expert to run the evaluations professionally.
Also, let suppliers know ahead of time what you’ll be reviewing. This helps them prepare and shows that the audit isn’t a surprise attack, but part of a shared commitment.
After the audit, share results clearly and constructively. Highlight strengths, pinpoint weaknesses, and suggest actions.
Make follow-up part of the process. A good audit is only useful if it leads to change. Set improvement targets and schedule check-ins to monitor progress.
Over time, you can even tier suppliers based on audit performance — offering preferred status or incentives to those who consistently do well.
Auditing for environmental performance raises the bar for everyone. It shows you’re serious — and that green procurement isn’t just a goal, it’s a standard.
26. 41% of firms use third-party platforms to evaluate supplier ESG risks
Getting help to see the full picture
More than 4 in 10 companies are now using external platforms to assess their suppliers’ ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks. These platforms help you look beyond surface-level claims and get real insights into how your vendors operate.
When ESG performance directly affects your brand, having the right information isn’t optional — it’s essential.
What you can do
If you’re not already using a third-party ESG platform, it’s worth considering. These tools pull data from multiple sources — supplier disclosures, audits, news reports, regulatory databases — to build a more complete risk profile.
Popular platforms like EcoVadis, Sustainalytics, and Sedex provide standardized ratings you can use to compare suppliers side by side.
Using a third-party system also reduces bias. Instead of relying on your team’s interpretation or supplier self-assessments, you get consistent, verified data.
These platforms can flag red flags you might miss — like a factory being tied to deforestation or a sudden drop in safety compliance.
You can also integrate ESG scores into your procurement dashboards and decision-making tools. That way, every sourcing choice includes a sustainability lens.
And don’t forget to communicate your expectations. Let suppliers know you’re using third-party evaluations. This transparency pushes them to stay vigilant and improve continuously.
When you have better ESG visibility, you reduce risk, build trust, and make sourcing smarter from the ground up.
27. 59% of procurement professionals cite lack of data as a barrier to green sourcing
Data gaps are slowing progress
Almost 6 in 10 procurement professionals say the biggest thing holding them back is simply a lack of data. They want to make greener choices — but don’t have the information to do it well.
You can’t manage what you can’t measure.
What you can do
Start by taking stock of what data you do have. Maybe you already track vendor compliance or purchase volumes — but are you collecting emissions, material origins, or waste data?
Identify the biggest gaps. Is it upstream material traceability? Packaging lifecycle? Transportation emissions?
Once you know the gaps, prioritize what to fix first. You don’t need to solve everything at once.
Ask suppliers for specific metrics — even if they’re basic at first. It’s better to have rough data than nothing at all. Encourage them to start tracking key indicators using simple spreadsheets or tools.
You can also automate data collection by integrating procurement systems with sustainability tools. APIs can help bridge systems and pull in real-time data from across your network.
If budget allows, partner with a sustainability consultant or data firm to audit your current setup and build a roadmap.
The key is momentum. Build a habit of collecting, refining, and using sustainability data. Over time, your decisions will get smarter — and your impact will grow.
28. 51% of organizations align green procurement with overall CSR goals
Connecting the dots across the business
Over half of companies are now tying green procurement directly to their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. That alignment creates consistency, focus, and credibility.
Your supply chain should reflect the same values you share with the public, your employees, and your investors.
What you can do
Start by reviewing your CSR goals. What commitments have you made publicly? These might include carbon reduction, waste elimination, ethical labor, or community engagement.
Now ask: how does your procurement strategy support those goals?
If your CSR goal is to be net-zero by 2030, is your sourcing team tracking supplier emissions? If you’ve committed to plastic reduction, are you still buying virgin plastic packaging?
Close the gaps by building direct links between CSR targets and procurement KPIs. For example:
- CSR: Cut emissions by 25% → Procurement: 50% of suppliers must use renewable energy
- CSR: Support fair labor → Procurement: All suppliers must sign and comply with a labor code of conduct
Also, make sure reporting is integrated. When you track CSR results, include supply chain-specific metrics. This shows that procurement isn’t just supporting the mission — it’s driving it.
When green procurement supports CSR, you build trust and impact at the same time.
29. 37% of procurement departments publish sustainability results annually
Sharing progress keeps you accountable
Just over a third of procurement teams now publish annual updates on their sustainability work. That might seem small — but it’s a trend that’s growing fast, especially with rising demand for transparency.
When you report your efforts, you invite collaboration, build trust, and keep your strategy focused.
What you can do
If you’re not yet reporting on green procurement, start small. A simple one-page annual summary of your top initiatives, goals, and progress is better than nothing.
Include metrics like:
- Percent of spend with certified sustainable suppliers
- Emissions per unit purchased
- Reduction in packaging waste
- Number of suppliers audited for ESG compliance
Also share what didn’t go as planned. Transparency builds credibility. Your audience — whether it’s customers, executives, or investors — wants honesty more than perfection.
Work with your sustainability or communications team to polish the report and publish it in your annual sustainability disclosure, website, or internal dashboard.
Consider making supplier recognition part of the report. Spotlight partners who’ve made big improvements. This builds loyalty and sets a positive example for others.
Over time, formalize the process. Create a green procurement reporting cycle with set timelines and responsibilities.
Publishing your results keeps your team accountable — and sends a clear message that sustainability isn’t just talk.
30. 47% of procurement decisions are influenced by lifecycle environmental impact
Long-term thinking is taking hold
Nearly half of all procurement decisions now consider the environmental impact over the full life of the product — not just at the time of purchase.
That’s a powerful mindset shift. It’s about thinking long-term, not short-term. And it leads to smarter, more responsible sourcing.
What you can do
Start applying lifecycle thinking in your decision process. When evaluating a product or supplier, ask:
- What happens after this is used?
- Can it be recycled or reused?
- What resources were consumed to make it?
- What emissions are created during transport, use, and disposal?
Work with product and engineering teams to gather data on material durability, energy usage, and waste output.
Also, request Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) from suppliers. These documents outline the total environmental impact of a product across its entire lifecycle.
You can also use software tools or consultants to run lifecycle assessments on key products or materials.
Once you start collecting this info, make it part of your procurement scorecards. Don’t just weigh price or quality — weigh lifecycle impact too.
It’s okay if it takes time to build this into every decision. Start with high-impact categories or big-ticket purchases. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Thinking beyond the transaction builds a supply chain that’s sustainable in every sense — environmentally, operationally, and strategically.
Conclusion:
The landscape of enterprise procurement is changing faster than ever. What used to be a back-office function focused purely on cost has now become a strategic engine for environmental and ethical transformation.
