Three Step Approach to Sustainable Supply Chain Management

A 2010 year in review revealed a growing emphasis on environmental awareness, social responsibility, and business sustainability actions in the supply chain.  More progressive companies, similar in action to IBM and Wal-Mart, have begun to evaluate inbound supply and their organizational role in the overall supply chain from an expanded perspective.   Our sustainability consulting experiences revealed that, in 2010, business sustainability action resulted in strategic sourcing and procurement guidelines to align suppliers with defined business sustainability strategies.  As 2011 continues to unfold, we see these efforts continue especially in the area of evaluating supply chain risk. 

According to leading business consulting firms, it is often practical to consider risk categories as a starting point for an initial value assessment of a supply chain. Our sustainability consulting practice considers risk along with other categorization methodologies, including spend classification and functional categorization, as a means of identifying sustainable value in the supply chain.   “Procurement is uniquely positioned to help the enterprise meet sustainability goals. For many firms, the majority of carbon and cost leaks lie hidden in the supply chain. “   In addition, business sustainability strategies to mitigate risk have been expanded to address broader business value opportunities. Supply chain leaders are taking defined action within the supply chain to drive mutually beneficial change.  According to one source, a three step approach has been advised:  click here to continue reading.  

Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".