Supply chain management
Manaaki Whenua, like many other organisations and individuals, is increasingly asking suppliers of products and services to provide evidence of the sustainability of their social and environmental performance. In other words, we are using our purchasing power to have an influence, not just locally, but globally.
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| Interface carpet tiles in our Tamaki building Image - Indrani Govindsamy |
Supply chain management is important in a world that increasingly expects to scrutinise company performance for social responsibility before making purchasing decisions. Global companies-whether producing petrol or sports shoes-know the power and impact of consumer disapproval. Managing reputational, and hence financial, risk is simply good corporate governance.
In New Zealand, the Government is the biggest purchaser of goods and
services, around 20% of GDP. Manaaki Whenua is working with 36 government
departments and organisations in the Govt3
environmental purchasing policy project, led by the Ministry for the Environment
(MfE). Our research showed that existing government purchasing policies
generally failed to address environmental issues, and that training purchasing
officers and developing reliable product or supplier information will be
critical to the project's success. Manaaki Whenua, like most of the Govt3
partners, is now preparing its own sustainable procurement policy. We
will be seeking certification of good environmental and social practices
from an increasing number of our suppliers and contractors.
www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/sustainable-industry/govt3
Sustainability was a significant factor in our purchase of fittings
for our Tamaki building. These include recyclable Interface carpet tiles
(produced by a company with a strong environmental ethic), Marmoleum (similar
to linoleum, but made from natural materials so it can be composted at
the end of its life), energy-effcient lighting, and wood veneer from sustainable
plantations. The design and purchase of materials were choices over which
we could exercise direct control. Because we use the building to showcase
low-impact sustainable design to architects, developers, city planners,
educators, students and others-we are also influencing the purchasing choices
of others.
The Tamaki building »
Marmoleum - www.interfacenz.com
We are also trying to raise awareness of new supply chain issues that
may affect New Zealand exporters in future. The most notable issue is
"food miles", which is becoming especially significant in Europe. This
threatens to reduce imports of goods that have been transported large
distances, because of the associated energy cost and greenhouse gas emissions.
Manaaki Whenua scientists have brought agencies and firms together to
help them understand this threat and to be proactive in developing solutions
such as offsetting emissions. Our work with growers, manufacturers and
exporters in the Marlborough Region on a certified CarboNZero® branding
scheme is one such solution.
Sustainable Business & Government »
Enviro-Mark®NZ
In 2000, we introduced Enviro-Mark®NZ for environmental, health and
safety management-as an alternative to full ISO 14001 certification. Manaaki
Whenua has maintained ISO 14001 certification for good environmental management
practices since 1998. Although ISO is a globally recognised standard,
we realised many organisations had neither the time nor resources to pursue
environmental management systems to ISO level. Our view was that a system
that separated ISO 14001 concepts into manageable stages with appropriate
certification for each achievement level, would encourage New Zealand's
businesses to adopt more environmentally aware business practices.
The number of Enviro-Mark®NZ users has grown exponentially and the system is now being used by 150 companies on over 200 sites across New Zealand. Five companies have already reached diamond certification, the highest of five certification levels.
The Auckland BusinessCare Enviro-Mark programme is a large pilot trial
with 68 users supported by several local councils and the Ministry for
the Environment (MfE). Businesses have reported multiple benefits from
reduced material costs, waste charges and energy bills, through to improved
staff motivation. The comprehensive assessment of compliance with relevant
environment, health and safety legislation, which reduces corporate risk,
is also seen as another benefit.
www.enviro-mark.co.nz