What are the key skills and competencies for green procurement professionals in the 21st century?

1 Knowledge of green standards and criteria

One of the essential skills for green procurement professionals is to have a solid understanding of the various green standards and criteria that apply to different products and services. These include certifications, labels, ratings, and specifications that indicate the environmental and social performance of suppliers and their offerings. For example, you should be familiar with the ISO 14000 series of standards for environmental management, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for sustainability reporting, and the Green Seal for eco-friendly products. You should also be able to assess the credibility and relevance of these standards and criteria for your specific procurement needs and objectives.

2 Ability to conduct life cycle analysis

Another important skill for green procurement professionals is to be able to conduct life cycle analysis (LCA) of the goods and services that they procure. LCA is a method of evaluating the environmental and social impacts of a product or service from cradle to grave, or from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling. It helps you to identify the hotspots and trade-offs of different options and to compare them based on their environmental and social costs and benefits. For example, you can use LCA to determine the carbon footprint, water consumption, waste generation, and human rights implications of different suppliers and products.

3 Communication and negotiation skills

Green procurement professionals also need to have strong communication and negotiation skills, as they have to interact with various stakeholders and influence their decisions and behaviors. These include internal stakeholders, such as senior management, budget holders, and end users, as well as external stakeholders, such as suppliers, contractors, regulators, and customers. You should be able to communicate the value proposition and the business case for green procurement, as well as the expectations and requirements that you have for your suppliers. You should also be able to negotiate contracts and agreements that incorporate green criteria and clauses, such as environmental performance indicators, penalties, incentives, and audits.

4 Innovation and problem-solving skills

Green procurement professionals also need to have innovation and problem-solving skills, as they have to deal with complex and dynamic challenges and opportunities in their field. These include changing market conditions, customer demands, regulatory frameworks, and technological developments that affect the availability, quality, and price of green products and services. You should be able to identify and explore new and alternative solutions that can meet your procurement goals and improve your environmental and social outcomes. You should also be able to adapt and respond to changing circumstances and emerging issues that may affect your procurement plans and processes.

5 Collaboration and leadership skills

Finally, green procurement professionals also need to have collaboration and leadership skills, as they have to work with and inspire others to achieve common goals and visions. These include colleagues, peers, partners, and networks that share your interest and commitment to green procurement. You should be able to collaborate and coordinate with them to exchange information, best practices, and resources, as well as to leverage their expertise, influence, and support. You should also be able to lead and motivate them to adopt and implement green procurement policies and practices, as well as to monitor and evaluate their performance and impact.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?