In order to formalize their responsible procurement commitments, over 50% of Québec businesses that have implemented green purchasing have set out a responsible procurement policy (see the Responsible procurement barometer -2012 edition for more information) by determining the key issues surrounding their procurement and establishing objectives and actions to control them. Green purchasing provisions may also be included in an overall procurement policy.
Supplier codes of conduct outline the specific, detailed requirements that must be taken into account by vendors. The methods to verify compliance with practices and the measures to be implemented in the case of non-compliance are also described in the codes.
The most knowledgeable businesses will choose to take part in joint or multiparty initiatives that send a coherent message to suppliers on the means to protect the rights of workers and lessen the environmental impact of their activities or products.
Within the ECPAR
Most ECPAR members have made formal commitments to responsible procurement.
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) contributes to the sustainable development of Montréal and Québec by providing efficient, safe and ecological transit services and helping to improve quality of life. The organization also acts responsibly by integrating environmental, social and economic considerations into all of its activities and business processes and has developed a responsible procurement framework: the Plan d'action structuré en matière d'approvisionnement responsable. In doing so, the STM sends a clear message to its teams and stakeholders and acquires the means to assess its progress year after year.
In 2008, in order to standardize practices and provide a clear framework for all procurement-related decisions, Cirque du Soleil adopted a responsible procurement policy that aims to implement principles and measures to ensure that the products marketed by the corporation and its partners as well as the products and services they purchase are manufactured under conditions that respect labour rights and the environment.
Through its Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development, the city of Longueuil has developed means to sustain its progress through the efficient use of the resources at its disposal with acquisition strategies that support the plan and reflect sustainable development principles. The city set out a responsible procurement policy to ensure that the amounts budgeted to acquire goods and services, regardless of their nature or financial significance, are spent according to sound management principles and regulations and rely on a sustainable acquisition approach.
The cities of Montréal and Gatineau also integrated responsible principles into their procurement. Montréal included a sustainable development and a social economy component in its procurement policy, and Gatineau added a section on environmental responsibility to its policy in order to minimize the consequences of its activities. These initiatives are part of a commitment to continue the efforts invested, lead by example and foster the adoption of ecoresponsible practices.
Other ECPAR members have also implemented supplier codes of conduct. For example, Alcoa set out the Alcoa Inc. Supplier Standards, which were revised in 2014. In 2012 and Hydro-Québec released its code of conduct entitled L'éthique au coeur de nos décisions.
