ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the fundamentals underpinning the practical actions to build a sustainable supply chain. It also looks at setting the scope of the process, basic principles, management systems and metrics, employee engagement and training. One of the key issues in greening the supply chain is deciding what should be included in the programme and what can be left out. It is essential to set down a written policy on sustainable procurement and make it publicly available. It also sends a clear message to internal stakeholders that the organisation is serious about reducing its impact on the supply chain. Management metrics measure progress in implementing suppliers green procurement strategy. To deliver effective change in the supply chain, the environmental impact targets should be given higher priority than the management targets. Clearly all staff involved in procurement will need to be trained in the new systems and broader environmental issues in the supply chain.
