I. Introduction

“Sustainability,” “environmental,” “social,” these are few of the buzz words that are deemed important in discussions of corporate obligations that go beyond the traditional means of doing business. Being in public procurement allows empowerment to influence such obligations not just between a customer and a vendor, but also on how the vendor treats its employees and how things like packaging and dumping of waste can hinder a potential business transaction.

Sustainable purchasing is a growing global trend. Increasingly businesses, governments, non-profits and other organizations are integrating social and environmental objectives into the purchasing process as a means to reduce their environmental footprint, leverage social benefits and foster a sustainable economy.
The City of Edmonton as an example, has a policy statement that aims to bring about environmental and social improvements both locally and globally. It has also set minimum performance and standards required for its suppliers which translates to its Supplier Code of Conduct.

The Government of Canada spends billions of dollars per year in procurement of goods and services. With this monetary spend using public funds, it has a responsibility to maintain the confidence of the vendor community and the Canadian public in an accountable, ethical and transparent manner. Thus a supplier code of conduct will help achieve this responsibility. II. Sustainable Purchasing Policy – Adding Value in Public Procurement

As per the City of Edmonton, its sustainable purchasing policy encourages staff to purchase quality products and services at competitive prices while considering key environmental and social benefits over the entire life-cycle of the product or service. The United Nations Global Compact defines that the objective of supply chain sustainability is to create, protect,