RISK MITIGATION
“ One of the trickiest challenges in the next EU steps is ensuring a harmonised approach in business practices ”
PIERRE-YVES DERMAGNE , BELGIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF THE ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
Strategies for integrating sustainability into procurement To comply with the CSDDD , procurement teams must adopt new strategies , including :
• Policy Development Crafting sustainable procurement policies aligned with organisational goals .
• Measurable objectives Setting clear targets , such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or sourcing from certified sustainable suppliers .
• Sustainability criteria Incorporating sustainability standards into procurement workflow and RFP evaluations .
• Category management Identifying high-risk procurement categories and developing tailored strategies .
• Supplier engagement Communicating expectations , conducting performance assessments and fostering collaboration .
• Training and tools Equipping teams with the knowledge and resources to evaluate suppliers and make sustainable decisions .
• Traceability systems Implementing mechanisms to monitor the origins of goods .
• Continuous Improvement Regularly update sustainability targets and practices to align with evolving regulations .
Third-Party Certification Many procurement teams have limited resources , so a company may opt to contract a third party to meet the CSDDD ’ s expectations .
• Support , not substitution The CSDDD recognises the complexities and additional resources required by procurement teams and addresses the role of third-party verification in compliance efforts . However , it clarifies that third-party verification , including industry initiatives and certification schemes , cannot replace a company ’ s due diligence obligations .
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