Office ICT Equipment Procurement Goes Green: Focus on Global Sustainability Practices
In the realm of procurement, organizations, whether public or private, have the option to specify the Government Buying Standards (GBS) in their tenders. While the government does not compel everyone to follow these best practices, it encourages their adoption as a means to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of purchasing activities [1].
The GBS, primarily designed for public sector organizations procuring goods or services, can be a voluntary choice for organizations focused on sustainable practices. These standards are not exclusive to the public sector but can be adopted by any organization concerned about sustainable procurement [2].
The government requires all its departments and related organizations to adhere to the Minimum Mandatory GBS when purchasing goods and services. These standards ensure fair and transparent purchasing practices [3]. However, the best practices for meeting GBS extend beyond the minimum mandatory standards.
Key principles for meeting GBS include ensuring transparency, fairness, and non-discrimination in procurement processes. This means that processes must be open, impartial, and accessible to all qualified suppliers, promoting competition and trust in the system [4]. Additionally, organizations should strive to optimize the economical and efficient use of resources, focusing on accountability to prevent waste [4].
Other best practices include legal compliance and accountability, thorough solicitation and evaluation processes, effective contract management and order control, invoice approval and financial controls, maintaining complete records for auditing, and incorporating sustainability and ESG considerations [4][5].
By adhering to these best practices, organizations can use the GBS as a tool for promoting sustainable procurement [6]. Furthermore, the choice to specify the GBS in tenders can serve as a means for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable procurement [7].
The government, in its efforts to promote the wider adoption of best practice standards, encourages the public sector to specify the Minimum Mandatory GBS in their tenders [1]. This encouragement is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of purchasing activities across the public sector [1].
In conclusion, the best practices for meeting GBS integrate legal compliance, transparency, use of centralized contracts, detailed procurement procedures, financial controls, and sustainability goals to meet the requirements effectively in both sectors [4][5]. Organizations seeking sustainable procurement practices can find these standards a valuable resource and a means to demonstrate their commitment to environmental, social, and governance goals.
[1] Government Digital Service. (2019). Procurement Policy Note 06/20. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-06-20-government-procurement-policy-framework/procurement-policy-note-06-20-government-procurement-policy-framework [Accessed 23 Mar. 2023].
[2] Cabinet Office. (2021). Procurement Policy Note 01/21: Government Buying Standards. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-01-21-government-buying-standards/procurement-policy-note-01-21-government-buying-standards [Accessed 23 Mar. 2023].
[3] Crown Commercial Service. (2021). Government Buying Standards. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-buying-standards [Accessed 23 Mar. 2023].
[4] Government Digital Service. (2019). Procurement Policy Note 06/20. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-06-20-government-procurement-policy-framework/procurement-policy-note-06-20-government-procurement-policy-framework [Accessed 23 Mar. 2023].
[5] European Commission. (2020). Sustainable Public Procurement. [online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/policy/sustainability/sustainable-procurement_en [Accessed 23 Mar. 2023].
[6] Cabinet Office. (2021). Procurement Policy Note 01/21: Government Buying Standards. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-01-21-government-buying-standards/procurement-policy-note-01-21-government-buying-standards [Accessed 23 Mar. 2023].
[7] Government Digital Service. (2019). Procurement Policy Note 06/20. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-06-20-government-procurement-policy-framework/procurement-policy-note-06-20-government-procurement-policy-framework [Accessed 23 Mar. 2023].
Organizations focusing on sustainable living may choose to adopt the Government Buying Standards (GBS) in their procurement processes, as these standards encourage transparency and fairness. By doing so, such organizations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable procurement and potentially appeal to customers with similar values.
In a home-and-garden context, implementing sustainable practices can be as simple as adhering to GBS when purchasing gardening tools and materials. This choice can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, promoting a greener home and garden.
