World Accreditation Day was on 9 June. This day focused on the supply chain this year, and #BureauVeritas is reminding organisations of the growing importance of embedding sustainability into their supply chain.
World Accreditation Day is a global initiative, jointly established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation. This year’s theme focused on how accreditation provides added value to supply chains.
However, Bureau Veritas has asserted that accreditation is not the only desirable factor for a successful supply chain – sustainable procurement is increasingly being recognised by investors and other stakeholders as a demonstration of credibility and resilience.
In fact, with benefits that include an enhanced corporate profile, optimised profitability and future proofing, the certification expert claims that a sustainable approach to the supply chain is imperative for a businesses’ long term prosperity.
David Murray, technical director for sustainability for Bureau Veritas, said: ‘It is great that this year’s World Accreditation Day raised awareness of the importance of accreditation in terms of adding value to supply chains.
‘However, it is important to note that global supply chains have become increasingly complex; it is no longer just about ensuring the correct flow of goods, services and associated processes – it is also about doing it in the most sustainable way possible to conserve natural resources and, in turn, increase profitability.
‘In this age of sustainable prosperity, where businesses are under increased pressure to ‘be seen to be green’, they can no longer afford to simply manage their own sustainability impacts, they should consider that of their suppliers too.
‘The good news is that a sustainable approach to supply chain management offers huge benefits. First, there is enhanced corporate, social, responsibility (CSR), as companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability are shown to have a real competitive edge by gaining the confidence of clients, investors, consumers and the local community, while minimising environment impact can also go a long way in reducing the bottom line and increasing the profit margin.
‘Furthermore, a more sustainable supply chain offers greater scope for innovation, given that suppliers will be more inclined to develop or propose solutions aligned to a companies’ green values, and can help future proof against the shifting landscape.’
In line with an increased demand for sustainable supply chain management, Bureau Veritas’ sustainability team offers a vast range of trusted services including sustainability report assurance and CDP data verification.
David added, ‘With a plethora of guidance to contend with, ensuring a seamless approach to sustainable supply chain management can come as a minefield. As such, we have developed our sustainable procurement services to make it a much easier transition, empowering companies to unlock the full benefits offered by a more holistic, responsible, sustainable approach to modern supply management.’
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