In sustainable procurement, suppliers and customers work together to achieve greater benefits - value for money and positive outcomes for people, planet, and profit.
The basics
Below are some of the areas sustainable procurement focuses on.
Better value and quality
Sustainable procurement prioritises durable, energy-efficient products and services with high-quality materials. As a result, sustainable goods often have longer lifespans and lower maintenance costs, making them a better investment.
For example, energy-efficient appliances, good insulation, or efficient heating sources reduce power use and costs over time, offering financial savings alongside environmental benefits.
Improved health and wellbeing
Sustainable procurement minimises exposure to harmful chemicals, pollutants, and toxins, so clients benefit from safer products, healthier indoor environments, and reduced risks of negative health outcomes.
Supporting ethical practices
Sustainable procurement ensures that the goods and services align with fair labour practices, ethical supply chains, and social responsibility. When you trade with Mitre 10 you support a business that treats workers fairly, upholds human rights, and contributes positively to local and global communities .
Environmental benefits
Choosing sustainably sourced products helps conserve resources and minimise waste. By purchasing Mitre 10 products made from recycled or renewable materials, such as FSC timber, you’re helping reduce carbon footprints, protect biodiversity, and support the circular economy.
Economic and long-term savings
While some sustainable options may have a higher initial cost, they often result in long-term savings through lower energy consumption, reduced waste or maintenance costs, and decreased reliance on non-renewable resources, like fossil fuels.
Putting it into practice
An easy place to start is simply aiming to create less waste than your last construction project. The great news is there are heaps of things Mitre 10 can do to help you achieve this, delivering a bottom line which delivers for people, planet, and profit.
Our team can help you:
- Develop a procurement/purchasing policy which considers the impact different products have during their manufacturing processes
- Evaluate the true costs of your materials over their lifespan while ensuring you still get the right product for the right job
- Reduce your waste from excessive or unnecessary packaging, such as shrink-wrap, transport strapping, collation trays. We have a nude packaging option available for some materials and reusable timber covers.
- Reduce your product orders to incentivise staff to use resources more efficiently - as there isn’t an endless supply of materials
- Work out which suppliers have return schemes or product stewardship programmes
- Order to fit – ensuring your orders are consistent with the dimensions required for the job
Extra for experts
REBRI also have a practical list of tips and tricks for sustainable procurement.
