Organizational Purchasing has really evolved over the last decade. I can recall from 10 years ago when I was selling Oracle e-procurement solutions how purchasing was an administrative function handled by paper pushers, and gate keepers hell bent on getting a good deal. Well procurment is having it's day in the sun as it is evolving into a true strategic role within the Supply Chain of any company.

But let’s face it, the world is “flatter” now, and with a global economy more of the norm, the importance of quality, cost, and delivery has also changed. Well we are on the verge of another “shift” into a procurement world where on-time delivery and lower prices won’t help an organization perpetuate growth and expansion unless there is some intelligence tying it back to a strategy for long term sustainability.

In an interesting perspective, procurement can be an excellent place to help an organization adopt more sustainable methods in a more strategic fashion. It's the first course offered in many Sustainability Certification courses. However, since procurement has been elevated into a strategic role, it has every ability to influence the sustainability and carbon footprint of an organization through multiple channels.

Green Purchasing fundamentals need to align with systems policies and procedures that support green purchasing practices and organization Sustainability. There needs to be clear Business Drivers for Green Purchasing Practices, and the ability to measure these to determine the impact to overall Sustainability Strategies in an organization.

In the next few blog posts I plan on expanding upon this procurement strategy, offering examples of organizations who are in the process as well as those who are further along the path. Subaru has an excellent cradle to grave approach and my research on their efforts was very rewarding. Herman Miller is the pinnacle; with such a great short term and long term plan, offering inspiration for any company to adopt a green plan.

I welcome everyone to comment and help add to the discussion which helps bring awareness of this concept further along and makes it more viable to companies large and small.

We need a Green Revolution, and these strategic tactics can help renew our organizations and thus our country and help us move ahead if we chose to see this as an opportunity.

Take the Green Challenge…….