SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT encouraging a greener approach , with less travel and more use of technical communications . “ We say to the customer - if you would agree to us collaborating via Google hangout for every second meeting or having a video audio conference for some other meetings , then it clearly costs less for us to do that and it is more carbon friendly and we will pass the cost benefit on to you . That has definitely improved as a ratio of revenue , but it is quite a hard one to break . Truthfully , in most incidences a lot of sustainability initiatives are packaged up as cost savings .”
Organisations are now increasingly working together to push through change , and PwC is part of the newly formed Buy Social Corporate Challenge .
“ PwC had the opportunity to be one of the foundation members back in December when it was first launched , with an event at number 11 Downing Street . Social Enterprise UK is providing the guidance and the energy and the government is sponsoring it . The plan is to have , by 2020 , large corporations signed up to committing to spending a billion pounds on social enterprise ,” explains Willis .
He stresses the key role big businesses have in shaping the future . “ PwC just launched this responsible technology policy which I am really excited about , and it is basically saying that technology is a force for good , but there are some negative consequences associated with it .
“ The policy includes hints and tips around how to go off grid at certain times , both for your own mental wellbeing and to reduce consumption . It considers the negative aspect of artificial intelligence replacing humans in their jobs and what can be done to reskill people and to upskill people and enable them to gain employment in other areas .”
For Willis there is much to be excited about . “ Supply chain sustainability , for me as a procurement guy , is one of the most engaging aspects of procurement . It is through your purchasing power that you can manage environmental and social impact and be a force for good in what you are doing . That is really energising .”
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