Section A - sustainable procurement
Procurement is the process of buying goods and/or services. Irrespective of the scale of development, goods and services may include:
- architectural and design services
- preparation of specialist technical and environmental assessments
- materials used in construction, refurbishment and refitting
- utilities prioritising low and zero carbon options
Sustainable procurement requires consideration of the social, economic and environmental value, risk and impact of our choices. A decision to buy, for example bricks, should take into consideration the environmental impact associated with their sourcing and transportation. Making sustainable choices has far-reaching social and economic co-benefits. Our choices can affect product availability, labour conditions, quality and efficiency. Viewing procurement in this way can result in a local supplier or small or medium sized enterprises providing value that is much greater than the financial cost to them.
Before embarking on a project, consider:
- suppliers who are able to provide upcycled, recycled, reused materials
- simplification or reduction of the number of materials incorporated into the building
- local suppliers, situated close to where the building work will take place or companies whose supply chains utilise consolidation centres or electric last mile delivery type arrangements to reduce the amount of vehicle movements needed to deliver supplies into congested city centres; and
- small and medium sized enterprises for design services, contractors and materials
Sustainable procurement is a rapidly developing area. Please visit the government website for a range of information and tools that are a good starting point. There is also a British Standard ISO 20400 which is relevant.
We are bringing forward additional guidance to support this area.