Is Green Procurement Serious? Questioning Internal True and False Intentions - Roundtable Discussion between SANYO Electric and Green Purchasing Network (September 2006)
In 2006, environmental management and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are being integrated into the core strategies of Japanese companies. With the Kyoto Protocol coming into effect and the Basic Law for Establishing a Recycling-Oriented Society coming into force, there was a strong demand for environmental considerations in corporate activities. At the same time, however, a gap between "ideals" and "reality" was becoming apparent in the workplace.
In this round-table discussion, officials from SANYO's Environmental Division and the Green Purchasing Network (GPN) gathered to frankly discuss the reality of green procurement. The reality emerged that, in contrast to the lofty goals set by the environmental division, the procurement division is faced with the practical conditions of "cost and delivery time," making it difficult to realize the philosophy. The difference in temperature within companies was revealed, with comments such as "environmentally friendly parts are too expensive to use" and "at the procurement site, price is more important than the environment.
On the other hand, the GPN side appealed that the key to supporting corporate decision-making is the development of an information infrastructure, including the clarification of judgment criteria and the introduction of environmental labels. It was also pointed out that without the involvement of top management and cooperation among departments, green procurement will end up as a mere billboard.
This roundtable discussion is a valuable record of the realities of the corporate frontlines at a time when CSR was still in the trial-and-error stage, and of the conflicts and hopes of corporate people wavering between philosophy and practice.
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