Sustain 2021
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
91 % of companies take sustainability criteria into account when making purchasing decisions
“ We are providing ratings and metrics in a quantifiable way ”, explains Thaler . “ This helps drive change in a massive way . Corporate buyers can move a portion of their purchasing spend to sustainable businesses , like those who value health and safety , the environment , and human rights .”
To spread awareness and ignite discussion , EcoVadis run their annual Sustain conference . Sustain 2021 was attended by over 3,000 virtual attendees and featured 50 experts - including former US Vice President Al Gore - who discussed sustainability and procurement , sourcing and supply chains . Thaler hopes that Sustain will encourage business leaders to make the necessary changes to increase their sustainability practices and take the risks seriously .
“ The point of [ the ] Sustain conference is for everyone to step up their game and do more ”, Thaler says . “ Sustainability is the new number one priority for many businesses across the world . People used to think that sustainability was only for luxury companies . In the last 12 months , we have seen this shift substantially .”
Every business has experienced a shift over the past year - but JAGGAER and EcoVadis have found some positive aspects of change in their businesses .
“ COVID-19 has given us a deeper understanding of and empathy for what everyone is dealing with ”, says Bureau . “ We saw how people had to juggle their personal lives with work . It ’ s given us all a sense of empathy .”
So wherever the different teams are working from , what does sustainable procurement mean ?
“ There are many different levels to it ”, explains Bureau . “ Everybody has philanthropic initiatives - like planting trees
Sustain 2021
Sustain 2021 was attended by 1,600 virtual attendees and featured 50 experts who discussed sustainability and procurement , sourcing and supply chain .
112 June 2021