Tool 6 – Data and Information

Tool 6 helps ICMM members obtain the information and data required to facilitate SP decisions and support responsible sourcing initiatives.

Step Guide

STEP
1

Conduct a spend analysis, or refer to it if you currently have one in use

STEP
2

Evaluate available credible eco-labelling, RSPs or sustainability programmes for the highest impact products/services

STEP
3

Review available life cycle studies, hotspot analysis and environmental specifications on major product categories

STEP
4

Send out requests for information to suppliers of major product categories on known impacts and possible innovations

STEP
5

Develop an understanding of the total cost of ownership (TCO) of major product categories

STEP
6

Develop and execute a supplier assessment questionnaire

STEP
7

Subscribe to green specification providers

STEP
8

Develop your own green specification; incorporating social and total cost information

Top Tips:

TCO enables decision makers to look at standard costs along with capital and operational costs when making a purchase decision.

Evaluating an existing or proposed RSP requires considerable information; including:

Data on end-use customer interest in purchasing products from the RSP
Data on initial and ongoing costs of implementing the standards and practices required by the RSP
Initial and ongoing third party certification costs
Information on the robustness of the businesses and partners in the RSP
Regulatory initiatives that might affect the RSP
Time and resources required in establishing a new RSP programme
Estimates of internal resources required to implement the standards
Estimates of sales and marketing time to communicate with customers, supply chain partners and other stakeholders
How stakeholders were identified (in the case of a new RSP, what the plan for stakeholder engagement is)