Building a sustainable supply chain: the core principles

At Agilité, we firmly believe that you’re only as good as your supply chain. In today’s fast-paced and environmentally-conscious business environment, the strength and sustainability of your supply chain are crucial to delivering reliable services and achieving long-term success.

This becomes even more vital as organisations are expected to uphold high standards of sustainability. Let’s delve into the core principles that form the foundation of a sustainable supply chain, focusing on challenges, embodied carbon, and the UN Global Compact principles.

This year, the construction sector faces several challenges from an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) perspective. Adaptability, the availability of products, and the acceptance of sustainability costs by clients are at the forefront. These challenges necessitate a shift in how we approach construction projects, with a greater emphasis on sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of materials and processes.

Clients may not always be prepared to accept the costs associated with sustainable procurement, such as the financial implications of ethical sourcing. Despite this, it is crucial to plan for the full lifecycle of the supply chain rather than focusing solely on immediate project needs. Short-term decisions may overlook long-term environmental impacts, and it is essential to consider how materials and processes can contribute to sustainability goals over time.

Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions generated to produce a built asset. This includes all emissions from the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and construction processes. At Agilité, we are actively discussing how to capture and reuse embodied carbon during our planning phases. This is a crucial step in reducing the overall environmental impact of construction projects.

Reducing embodied carbon involves several strategies, such as selecting low-carbon materials, optimising design to minimise waste, and reusing existing structures where possible. By focusing on these strategies, we can significantly decrease the carbon footprint of our projects and contribute to a more sustainable future.

A sensible starting point for building a sustainable supply chain is understanding and applying best practices. The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a comprehensive framework for sustainability. While not all 17 goals will apply to every organisation, Agilité focuses on goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

The UN Global Compact emphasises that corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principles-based approach to business. This involves committing to human rights, labour rights, environmental stewardship, and anti-corruption practices. These principles are fundamental to building a sustainable supply chain that supports long-term growth and environmental stewardship.

For smaller businesses, starting with the values and principles you set as an organisation is crucial. Consultancies like Agilité’s partner, A Beautiful Green, can assist in this journey. The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact provide an excellent foundation for integrating sustainability into corporate strategies and processes. By adopting these principles, businesses can ensure that their operations are aligned with global sustainability standards. This not only enhances their reputation but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development.

Download our comprehensive guide to learn how to integrate these principles into your business and build a sustainable supply chain that supports long-term growth and environmental stewardship.