ESG Strategy Series
Sustainable Procurement Roadmap
Sustainable Medical Procurement Roadmap
Embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into healthcare supply chains without compromising cost or care quality.
Why Sustainability Matters
- Healthcare supply chains account for 70% of the sector’s carbon footprint.
- Regulators and payers increasingly request ESG reporting.
- Patients and staff expect organizations to demonstrate responsible sourcing.
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER – Infographic of sustainability pillars (people, planet, profit)
Roadmap Phases
- Baseline: Measure current spend by category, supplier sustainability certifications, waste streams.
- Prioritize: Identify high-impact categories (PPE, packaging, energy-intensive devices).
- Execute: Shift to products with recycled content, reusables, lower emissions manufacturing.
- Report: Publish annual sustainability scorecards and improvement plans.
Supplier Engagement
- Incorporate ESG questions into RFPs (carbon targets, labor standards, waste reduction).
- Favor suppliers with third-party certifications (ISO 14001, EcoVadis).
- Partner with LAC Health to access product-level sustainability attributes.
Operational Initiatives
- Transition to reprocessable surgical textiles where appropriate.
- Optimize freight (consolidated shipments, low-emission carriers).
- Implement take-back programs for devices, batteries, and packaging.
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER – Photo concept of recycling station in hospital supply area
Metrics & Reporting
- Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods.
- % of spend with sustainable suppliers.
- Waste diversion rate for packaging and devices.