CEC introducing Green Procurement
In living its commitment to exemplary environmental stewardship, CEC has undertaken to integrate best environmental management practices and considerations in the way it procures its goods and services. The Company has introduced a green procurement policy aimed to encourage and increase the use of environmentally preferred products and services within the supply chain.
This was, in fact, among the factors cited to CEC’s credit by the regulator, Zambia Environmental Management Agency, in awarding the 2017 environmental award to the Company.
Senior Manager – Health, Safety, Environment, Social & Risk, Caroline Sinkamba, explained to Watts On! that green procurement was a concept that guides an organization in purchasing products and services that are more environmentally friendly.
She said that all efforts by the Company to go green would be futile if consideration of the environment in sourcing its products and services was not made.
Sinkamba explained that the procedure was introduced to provide guidelines and essential information regarding green procurement that should be considered as part of decision-making in the procurement process of products and services.
“The guidelines are in support of the Environmental Management System implemented at CEC and the Procurement and Supply Policy, which favour products and services that exhibit clear environmental advantages,” she said.
The policy describes environmentally preferred products and services and those that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to competing products and services that serve the same purpose. These products are non-polluting or have reduced pollution, they are durable and easily upgraded and repairable, and they are reusable and recyclable.
The policy outlines some of the benefits of green procurement, including monetary savings resulting from reusability and/or increased durability; increased savings due to employment of energy, water and fuel conserving devices, and reduced health costs related to exposure to dangerous substances.
