{"id":4139,"date":"2022-09-29T15:40:13","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T14:40:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/public-procurement\/?p=4139"},"modified":"2022-09-29T15:43:41","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T14:43:41","slug":"procurement-and-the-climate-crisis-a-tool-for-positive-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/public-procurement\/2022\/09\/29\/procurement-and-the-climate-crisis-a-tool-for-positive-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Procurement and the climate crisis: a tool for positive change"},"content":{"rendered":"

Procurement and the climate crisis: a tool for positive change<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Guest blog by Steven Menzies, Head of Procurement and Grants, Zero Waste Scotland<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As a society, we need to change the way we consume if we\u2019re serious about tackling climate change.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because four-fifths of Scotland\u2019s carbon footprint comes from the products and materials we make, use, and throw away \u2013 often before the end of their useable life. It\u2019s a massive amount, and one in which procurement professionals play a role. We facilitate our society\u2019s incessant demand for more \u2018stuff\u2019 \u2013 in the business landscape anyway.<\/p>\n

But it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. Climate Week<\/a> is an ideal opportunity to change up the way we do things for the good of the planet and to share learnings from the actions we\u2019re already taking. Targeting circular procurement is one of the most impactful actions we can take.<\/p>\n

What is circular procurement?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For those of us who have been in the procurement field for some time it can feel a little obscure to go through a process that does not culminate in a purchase.<\/p>\n

But circular procurement opens up ways of meeting the needs of the organisation while reducing consumption and waste. It\u2019s part of driving a circular economy<\/a> in which resources are valued and made to last. That\u2019s better for the environment, and it makes good business sense too.<\/p>\n

Under a circular procurement model, decision-making is influenced by how to maximise the lifespan of materials, resources and products. It may involve renting rather than owning kit, prioritising second-hand items over new for certain purchases, or minimising single use items.<\/p>\n