Net Sustainability, The IPCC Report and How Procurement Can Help Save the World

As the principle is quite simple, I will keep this concise.

Procurement, at its essence, is about being mindful of what we purchase.

So what do I mean when I say mindful?

It seems a strange concept to associate with buying things.

Allow me to explain the generalised purchasing process.

a) You research the product or service you are seeking to purchase.

Are you getting what you paid for?

First, if you are not an expert, seek expert support. Then, you deep dive to understand the value the product will bring to you or your company.

b) You extend your analysis to value the complete life cycle of the product or service.

How is it made, who produced it, how did it get here, how long does it last, what happens after the use?

What is the net sustainable impact of the product per $ over time?

c) Purchase

Exchange money for the product you value the most.

Most people and companies do a) and c), but often skip over b).

Part of the reason is that a lot of the information over the life cycle isn’t readily available today. The technology and transparency, however, is certainly coming.

However, the responsibility of this is only a fraction, and we are not in the position to wait until we have complete visibility for us to drop our unsustainable purchasing habits.

So what should we do?

1. Ask more questions

2. Understand that products and services are interconnected with the environment

3. Understand that your purchasing decisions therefore directly and indirectly impact the environment

4. Understand that the environment is a valuable resource for generations and worth paying a little more for.

5. Put your money where your values are

Many small steps by many people have a dramatic impact. But, in my opinion, the most powerful tool we have to drive change is through having a holistic understanding of the value and aligning our spending behaviours, at home and work.

So I invite you to look around your home and your office and dig a little deeper into what’s around you.

• What is the source of my electricity?

• Where does this furniture come from? What is it made from? Who made it? How did it get here?

• What happens to the packaging of this product?

• How far did my food need to travel to get here? Is it certified?

• What type of printing paper do I use? Do I really need to use it?

• What happens to the rubbish you throw away?

Try and ask as many questions about the products you own today, and if you don’t have the answers, do some research. You will find your perspective steadily change, as will your purchasing behaviours.

The more you do, and the more you share, the more impact we can all have.

As an additional impact, when more sustainable products and technologies become available, we are also more ready to adopt them as we are seeing things through a more experienced lens.

Your small progressive actions really do count.

Buy smart, buy sustainable.

Andrew Cameron is the founder of ENZYME, a Singapore-based advisory working at the intersection of regenerative hospitality, food systems, and sustainable procurement across Asia-Pacific.