A sustainable approach

As an asset owner, we have a responsibility to make sure environmental and social issues is included in the whole value chain

Integrating Environmental & Social in Contract & Procurement Strategies

In the pursuit of sustainable development, Norsk Renewables recognizes the importance of integrating environmental and social considerations into our contracts and procurement strategies. Beyond meeting the IFC PS (International Finance Corporation Performance Standards) and regulatory requirements, this approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of economic, environmental, and social factors, aiming to mitigate negative impacts and maximize positive outcomes throughout the supply chain. By embedding sustainability principles and procedures into contracts and procurement processes, Norsk Renewables enhances our resilience, reputation, and long-term viability.

Environmental considerations

One of the primary objectives in integrating environmental considerations into contracts and procurement strategies is to minimize the ecological footprint associated with business activities and secure local content, human rights, and equality 

This involves assessing the environmental impact of products, services, and processes throughout their lifecycle and incorporating criteria for sustainability and resource efficiency into procurement criteria. The use of 3rd party assessment is something Norsk Renewables does as a security towards human rights issues in the plants that produce solar panels. We are also engaged in the work that the Norwegian NGO is doing to focus on this issue.

Furthermore, Norsk Renewables leverages procurement as a strategic tool for promoting environmental stewardship. By prioritizing suppliers with robust environmental management systems and sustainable sourcing practices, we can incentivize suppliers to adopt a more environmentally friendly way of operating.

Social considerations:

In addition to environmental concerns, we make sure that contracts and procurement strategies also address social dimensions, including labor rights, human rights, diversity, and community engagement (if the plants are close to communities). This entails ensuring compliance with labor standards, fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical sourcing practices across the entire supply chain. Furthermore, social procurement strategies can be instrumental in advancing social impact initiatives and fostering local content and sustainable development.

By aligning procurement practices with broader social objectives, organizations can leverage their purchasing power to create positive social change and address systemic inequalities.

Integrated approach

A holistic approach to sustainable procurement involves integrating environmental and social considerations into all stages of the procurement lifecycle, from needs assessment and supplier selection to contract management and performance evaluation. This requires collaboration across departments, stakeholders, and supply chain partners to establish clear sustainability goals, metrics, and accountability mechanisms, something we with every day across our offices and different projects.

Conclusion:

Norsk Renewables believes that to secure environmental and social considerations into contracts and procurement, strategy is essential for fostering sustainable development and mitigating risks associated with climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. By adopting a holistic approach to sustainable procurement, organizations can drive innovation, enhance resilience, and create shared value for stakeholders internally and across the supply chain. Ultimately, embedding sustainability principles into contracts and procurement processes is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic imperative for long-term business success in a world that needs more renewable energy.

Ingrid Sara Grimstad Amundsgård

Ingrid Sara Grimstad Amundsgård

EVP Sustainability, HSE, Communications & IR

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