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<\/p>\nSustainable consumption is one of the flagship sustainable development goals adopted by all the member states of the United Nations. Our modes of consumption and production have long been based on the exploitation of the environment and its resources, which continue to have a destructive impact on the planet. While this idea has been widely assimilated by governments and the general public, it is imperative that companies also integrate it into their purchasing policy. It is all about their Corporate Social Responsibility and their economic performance.<\/b><\/p>\n
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As global warming accelerates, the demand for energy increases, and the world is already experiencing a shortage of resources, it is becoming increasingly urgent that we produce and consume in a sustainable way.<\/span><\/p>\n In the Brundtland Commission Report (1987), sustainable consumption was defined as: <\/span>\u201cthe use of services and products that meet basic needs and contribute to improving the quality of life while reducing to a minimum the quantities of natural resources and toxic materials used, as well as the quantities of waste and pollutants produced throughout the life cycle of the service or product, so that the needs of future generations can be met\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/i>The resulting overriding aim:<\/span> \u201c<\/span><\/i>to do more and better, with less<\/i><\/b>\u201d. <\/span><\/i>From this perspective, economic growth should no longer be associated with environmental degradation, but rather with sustainable development. We need to change the way we produce and consume, using resources more efficiently and promoting more sustainable models (of governance, lifestyle, and business).<\/span><\/p>\n Sustainable consumption and responsible consumption are often confused. However, these two terms represent two different concepts.<\/span><\/p>\n Sustainable consumption focuses exclusively on the preservation of resources and the environment. Usually, it takes a threefold approach that applies to individuals as well as organisations:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Responsible consumption refers to the concept of responsibility in the broad sense; consumption that respects the environment and encourages social and economic equity.<\/span><\/p>\n By <\/span>integrating this notion of sustainability into their agenda<\/span>, purchasing departments will derive three main benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n Under this approach, companies take a closer look at the total cost of acquiring their products and services. They will formulate a plan to reduce their energy costs (water, electricity, etc.) or even limit their own consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n By taking sustainability into account in their purchasing policy, companies can protect themselves against certain risks, particularly in terms of their corporate image and procurement, which could have a financial impact on the value of the brand.<\/span><\/p>\n Companies can earn additional revenue through innovations in green products and services, increased prices, or recycling programs. Many companies are seeing an increase in their turnover thanks to their new \u201cgreen\u201d offerings!<\/span><\/p>\n Following the precept<\/span> “doing more and better with less” <\/span><\/i>can<\/span> undoubtedly be financially advantageous for companies. The case of PepsiCo and its environmental sustainability programme is very telling.<\/span><\/p>\n A few years ago, PepsiCo announced that it had reduced its water consumption by 26%, compared to the reference threshold identified ten years earlier. The American multinational, specialists in the agri-food sector, had exceeded its target, which had been initially set at 20%. In addition to the positive impact on the environment, <\/span>PepsiCo also said it saved more than $80 million<\/b> in four years, thanks to its water conservation measures.<\/span><\/p>\n As part of a much larger environmental sustainability agenda, this project has saved the company more than $600 million over five years, thanks to its continued progress in water, energy, packaging, and waste reduction.<\/span><\/p>\n Al Halvorsen, then the Senior Director of Environmental Sustainability – Global Operations, told the media: <\/span>\u201c<\/span><\/i>Conserving water across our global enterprise can have a huge impact on our communities and our planet. From a business perspective, these efforts help us lower our operating costs. By doing more with less, we are able to increase our agricultural yields, strengthen our water infrastructure and deliver cost savings.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n The circular economy aims to make better use of resources to limit waste and its environmental impact, in a sustainable way. This concept is the opposite of the linear economy, which is based on the \u201cproduce, consume, throw away\u201d pattern. <\/span>The fact that the lifespan of products is extended indefinitely in a circular economy<\/b> is a formidable lever in favour of sustainable consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal for Europe, explains:<\/span> \u201cTo achieve climate neutrality by 2050, preserve our natural environment and strengthen our economic competitiveness, our economy must be completely circular. Today, it is still essentially linear, since only 12% of secondary materials and resources are reintroduced into the economy. Many products break down too easily, cannot be reused, repaired or recycled, or are designed for single use only. There is enormous potential to be tapped for both businesses and consumers.”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Advocating efficient management of materials and energy, the circular economy offers companies seven possible solutions for taking action:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While <\/b>cost reduction<\/b>, <\/b>risk management,<\/b> and<\/b> contributing to the <\/b>CSR<\/b>(Corporate Social Responsibility) strategy are among the main priorities of purchasing departments, sustainable consumption seems to be the ideal multifaceted lever. It is now up to buyers to <\/b>acquire the skills necessary<\/b> to develop a responsible purchasing policy, based on sustainability.<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To study this topic in greater depth, download our white paper.<\/a> to understand how to integrate CSR into the heart of your company’s purchasing policy.<\/span><\/p>\nSustainable Consumption vs Responsible Consumption<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Why Gamble on Adopting Sustainable Consumption?<\/b><\/h2>\n
A Reduction in Costs<\/b><\/h3>\n
A Reduction in Risk<\/b><\/h3>\n
An Increase in Income<\/b><\/h3>\n
The<\/b> Real-World Case of PepsiCo<\/b><\/h2>\n
The Circular Economy, a Lever for Sustainable Consumption<\/b><\/h2>\n
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