Trusted Resources is a curated collection of free sustainability resources from ISSP partners and industry experts.
As sustainability professionals, we understand that driving meaningful change starts with having the right resources at your fingertips. That’s why the ISSP team is excited to share free tools and guidance from a trusted leader in sustainable purchasing: the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC). On their
website, you’ll find a range of valuable materials to support your sustainable procurement efforts.
Sample Sustainable Purchasing Policy – This model policy is designed to help organizations embed sustainability into their procurement practices. This adaptable template guides entities in establishing a structured program that addresses environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with purchasing activities. Key components include appointing a program leader, forming a cross-functional advisory committee, conducting a sustainability spend analysis, and developing a Sustainable Purchasing Action Plan with clear goals and implementation strategies. The policy emphasizes stakeholder engagement, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement through monitoring and reporting systems. Organizations can customize this model to align with their specific sustainability objectives and operational contexts, ensuring a practical approach to responsible procurement.
Making The Case for Sustainable Procurement (Private Sector) White Paper - Making the Case for Investment in Your Company’s Sustainable Purchasing Program, serves as a strategic guide for sustainability professionals aiming to secure organizational support and resources for sustainable procurement initiatives. Drawing insights from leaders across eight diverse companies, the paper emphasizes the importance of framing sustainable purchasing not merely as a compliance or ethical imperative but as a driver of tangible business value. It outlines eight compelling business outcomes—such as revenue growth, risk mitigation, and investor satisfaction—that resonate with executive priorities. By aligning sustainable procurement goals with these outcomes, professionals can craft persuasive narratives that demonstrate how modest investments in sustainability can yield substantial returns. The white paper also provides practical conversation guides and real-world examples to aid in articulating the strategic benefits of sustainable purchasing, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking to embed sustainability into their organization's core operations.
Making The Case for Sustainable Procurement (Public Sector) White Paper - Galvanizing Action: Strategies to Maximize Engagement in Sustainable Public Purchasing, offers a practical roadmap for public-sector procurement professionals aiming to embed sustainability into their purchasing processes. Drawing from the experiences of leaders across seven U.S. and Canadian government agencies, the paper emphasizes that successful sustainable procurement relies more on engaging peers and stakeholders than solely on top-down mandates. It outlines six actionable strategies, including aligning procurement practices with organizational mandates, clearly defining program objectives, simplifying compliance through user-friendly tools, and effectively communicating the benefits of sustainable purchasing. By implementing these strategies, procurement teams can foster broader support, streamline processes, and achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes within their organizations.
Why ISSP trusts these resources:
The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC), established in 2013, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable procurement practices across various sectors. By uniting purchasers, suppliers, advocates, and experts, SPLC fosters a collaborative community aimed at driving positive environmental, social, and economic impacts through procurement. Leveraging over a decade of experience, SPLC offers its members access to tailored guidance, strategic coaching, and a suite of tools designed to develop and enhance sustainable purchasing programs. Through initiatives like the SPLC Navigator platform and the Learning Hub, members can benchmark performance, engage in peer learning, and implement best practices that align with organizational sustainability goals. SPLC's mission is to empower organizations to transform procurement into a strategic lever for sustainability, ensuring that purchasing decisions contribute to a resilient and equitable future.
Additional tips for members:
- Watch recording of a past webinar with Sarah O'Brien (former CEO of SPLC): The Power of Procurement. In this 90-minute presentation, Sarah highlights how critical sustainability goals can (and must) be supported by procurement strategy. She also explores the pressures and competing objectives that may keep procurement teams from effectively (or enthusiastically) supporting sustainability initiatives. (Recordings are a member benefit. Want access? Join ISSP.)
