Expand each of the following to explore other globally recognized standards relevant to sustainable practices within procurement.
SA 8000
The Social Accountability certification known as SA 8000 is “a widely recognized international standard for managing human rights in the workplace. It provides an auditable framework for assuring that social accountability is being stewarded by an organization” (APICS Dictionary, 16th edition).
SA8000 was created in 1997 by Social Accountability International and is based on international workplace standards, following guidelines from the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Over 2,000,000 workers are currently protected by the SA8000 certification in 61 countries.
Elements of SA8000 include the following areas:
Ethical Trading Initiative
The Ethical Trading Initiative is similar to the UN Global Compact and is focused on helping companies eliminate risks to their reputation and operations due to poor employment conditions at their suppliers. It works hand in hand with SA 8000 by providing information about developing programs for improving working conditions.
- 1Employment is freely chosen
- 2Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
- 3Working conditions are safe and hygienic
- 4No child labor is used
- 5Workers are paid a living wage
- 6Working hours are not excessive
- 7No discrimination is practiced
- 8Regular employment is provided
- 9No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
Sustainable Procurement Task Force (SPTF) Framework
One of the guidelines specifically designed for sustainable procurement, the Sustainable Procurement Task Force Framework, was developed by the UK Government’s Sustainable Development Strategy in order to create a national action plan for leadership in sustainable procurement. It includes five levels, providing a means for any organization to assess their performance, no matter how much or how little they have already attained.
The five areas included in the framework are:
Earth Charter
The Earth Charter was sponsored by the International Earth Charter Commission, and provides sixteen principles for organizations to build a sustainable and peaceful global society.
The charter is a voluntary initiative, endorsed by 50,000 organizations made up of cities, government bodies, schools, NGO’s around the world, and promotes the following:
Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN)
The Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) was founded in 2005 by an international network of buyers. Members are committed to providing services, tools and resources to purchasing organizations that are designed to make purchasing activities environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
Fair Trade Standards
The fair trade movement began back in 1983 in relation to coffee procurement, and has now launched multiple organizations, such as Fair Trade Certified, Fair Trade International, the World Fair Trade Organization and the European Fair Trade Association.
S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
The S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Indices provide a portfolio of benchmarks of 1000’s of publicly-traded companies who lead the world in economic, environmental and social criteria. The indices are both global, as well as by geographic regions and industry, and can be used as benchmarks for other organizations and investors.
Additional guidelines, standards and certifications for environmental and social responsibility principles include the following: