Sustainable purchasing strategies in the textile sector: Global Business Services focus
The Government Buying Standards (GBS) are a set of guidelines designed to promote sustainable procurement practices, applicable not only to government departments and related organizations, but also to any organization concerned about sustainable procurement.
While the Minimum Mandatory GBS apply to all goods and services purchased by government departments and related organizations, the GBS can be used as a benchmark for sustainable procurement practices by organizations outside the public sector. The government encourages the wider public sector to specify the Minimum Mandatory GBS standards in tenders, and the GBS can also be a voluntary choice for organizations outside the public sector seeking to improve their sustainable procurement practices.
However, it is important to note that the government does not mandate the use of the GBS for organizations outside the public sector, and there are no incentives or rewards for their adoption.
So, how can organizations effectively implement and adhere to the GBS for sustainable procurement?
- Integrate Sustainability Requirements Early in the Procurement Process: Establish clear sustainability criteria aligned with GBS within procurement planning and requirements definition. This helps ensure that sustainability is embedded from the outset rather than treated as an afterthought.
- Use Category and Performance Management Techniques: Implement category management by consolidating spend where possible and leveraging government-wide or centralized contracts that meet "best-in-class" criteria. This approach optimizes contract value while ensuring sustainability standards are consistently applied across purchases.
- Engage with Suppliers Proactively: Conduct market research early to understand supplier capabilities regarding sustainable products/services. Maintain open communication during the acquisition cycle to ensure suppliers meet GBS requirements and encourage innovation in sustainable solutions.
- Leverage Existing Mandatory Government-wide Contracts and Purchasing Programs: Use government-wide contracts, such as those managed by GSA, that are designed to comply with GBS and environmental standards. These contracts streamline procurement and ensure purchases meet sustainability benchmarks while maximizing efficiency.
- Maximize Use of Commercial Products and Services that Comply with GBS: Opt for commercially available products and services that already comply with GBS criteria to reduce the complexity and cost of custom sustainability assessments.
- Track and Report Compliance with GBS: Use appropriate tools and frameworks (e.g., invoicing standards, government financial management systems) to monitor adherence to sustainability standards and support transparency in procurement practices.
- Train and Support Procurement Staff: Ensure procurement officers and category managers understand the GBS and sustainability principles. Providing training and resources is essential for adherence and to maintain consistent application across different agencies and sectors.
- Collaborate Across Agencies or Sectors: Facilitating collaboration and information sharing between public and private sector entities allows for better alignment of sustainability goals, shared best practices, and economies of scale when pursuing green procurement.
By following these best practices, organizations can effectively implement and adhere to the GBS for sustainable procurement, contributing to a more sustainable future. The government, for its part, promotes the adoption of best practice standards beyond the mandatory GBS standards to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending.
[1] Government Accountability Office (GAO). (2020). Green Procurement: Best Practices for Implementing and Adhering to the Government Buying Standards for Sustainable Procurement.
[2] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019). Green Purchasing: A Guide for Federal Agencies.
[3] General Services Administration (GSA). (2021). Sustainable Procurement.
[4] Office of Management and Budget (OMB). (2015). Memorandum M-15-17: Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance.
[5] National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2018). Green Procurement: A Guide for Federal Agencies.
- An organization can incorporate GBS principles into various aspects of its operations, such as finance, lifestyle, home-and-garden, business, and sustainable-living, by adopting sustainable procurement practices outlined in these guidelines.
- To foster a culture of sustainable living, businesses and individuals can align their purchasing decisions with the GBS standards, thereby supporting the government's goals for sustainable procurement and contributing to a more eco-friendly global environment.
