SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Custodial and Waste

Topic

Procurement

Question #

P1.2 Social Procurement Strategy

Question

Are social procurement strategies implemented and maintained in building management activities?

Applicability

All asset classes 
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes — social procurement strategies are implemented = 2 points
  • No = 0 points

Max of 2 points

Requirements

    1. Award contracts to local, independent and/or socially responsible businesses
    2. Partner with equity-seeking groups to fill staffing positions and apprentice opportunities
Social Procurement is defined as the achievement of strategic social, economic and workforce development goals using an organization’s process of purchasing goods and services.

Documentation

  • Procurement policy highlighting any of the aspects listed above
  • Documentation showing an example of each strategy implemented

Suggested Lead

In-house

Value

  • Social economy focuses on “how” a product is made and prioritizes sustainable and ethical production channels
  • This differs from a “circular economy” (see P1.1) which focuses on “what” materials are used in a product
  • Social procurement supports minority groups, strengthens community bonds, and enhances local economies
  • Purchase products from local, independent, and socially responsible businesses

Description

Social procurement is an approach to purchasing that extends beyond cost and quality considerations to prioritize social and environmental benefits. By integrating sustainability principles into procurement, organizations support responsible sourcing that fosters economic inclusion, promotes fair labor practices, reduces environmental impact, and strengthens local communities.

Through partnerships with diverse suppliers—such as small businesses, minority-owned enterprises, and environmentally conscious vendors—social procurement enables organizations to align spending with values. This approach not only helps to meet sustainability goals but also boosts social equity, drives innovation, and enhances brand reputation, creating value for both society and the environment.

References

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

Question 06.01.01 – Is an environmental procurement program in place at the building that includes the following components?