Sustainable Procurement

Virtual cohort group

Body

Many products and materials that come into hospitals may contain or release carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or other hazardous materials, exposing patients, staff, and the community to harm. Purchased goods and services also account for a majority of the energy and water use by the sector. Participants meet to share best practices in engaging group purchasing organizations (GPO) and suppliers, integrating environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) in value analysis, and identifying cost saving opportunities. Also, time is reserved during each session for participants to receive quick problem-solving advice on any timely issues or challenges. 

Target audience: Sustainability leads, supply chain, procurement  
Level: Beginner to intermediate
 

Tim Mooney

 

Facilitator:
TIm Mooney
Contact: tmooney@hcwh.org

 

“Since cost is always a key driver for supply chain, a best practice is to identify ways the organization can save money in order to engage supply chain leadership.” – Kyle Tafuri, Hackensack Meridian Health

This cohort is one of the largest with more than fifty participants represented by some of the facilities below:

  • Allina Health System 
  • Atrium Health
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  • Boston Medical Center  
  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  • CommonSpirit
  • HealthPartners
  • Henry Ford Health System 
  • Hackensack Meridian Health - Hackensack University Medical Center
  • Inova Health System
  • Intermountain Healthcare
  • IU Health
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Mayo Clinic Health System
  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
  • Mount Sinai Health System
  • NYU Langone
  • Providence 
  • Rush University Medical Center
  • Seattle Children's Hospital
  • Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
  • SSM Health
  • Standford University Medical Center 
  • Stony Brook University Medical Center
  • Sutter Health
  • Tenet Health
  • UC San Diego Health System
  • UCLA Health
  • UCSF Medical Center
  • VCU Medical Center 

 

2024 Schedule

February 22, 2024 2:00 PM EST 

How success with reusables can inform goals

Discussion questions:

  1. What successes with reusables can you share with session participants? 
  2. What key lessons can you share with your peers, especially related to navigating the barriers of switching a specific product to a reusable option?
  3. What strategies did you find most or least effective?
  4. How can goals align with focus on enhancing awareness campaigns, expanding partnerships with eco-conscious suppliers, and implementing innovative solutions?
June 20, 2024 2:00 PM EST

Data solutions for tracking procurement

Participants will discuss ways to streamline tracking processes and promote environmentally and socially responsible sourcing within supply chains. Explore innovative, data-driven approaches for monitoring and enhancing sustainable procurement practices.

Discussion questions:

  1. What challenges do you face with data collection and analysis when assessing the environmental and social impact of procurement practices, and how can they be overcome?
  2. How can data-driven insights from sustainable procurement tracking be effectively communicated to stakeholders, drive organizational buy-in, and promote greater accountability?
  3. What metrics and indicators are most relevant for measuring the success of sustainable procurement efforts, and how can we ensure they accurately reflect environmental and social impacts?
  4. How can organizations collaborate to establish industry-wide standards and benchmarks for sustainable procurement tracking, fostering greater consistency, and comparability across supply chains?
August 22, 2024 2:00 PM EST 

Engaging suppliers to identify sustainable products

Identifying products that meet operation and sustainability goals can be daunting. The Greenhealth Approved seal helps you find products that meet sustainability criteria and simplifies purchasing them through existing procurement processes. Join Greenhealth Approved, procurement leadership from Froedtert Health, and Practice Greenhealth industry partners to discuss strategies to engage your suppliers and identify environmentally preferred products. 

Discussion questions:

  1. What challenges do you face when trying to identify environmentally preferred products?
  2. What are the key factors you consider when identifying environmentally preferred products?
  3. How can hospitals engage suppliers in discussions about sustainability and environmentally preferred products?
  4. How can healthcare organizations integrate the Greenhealth Approved seal into their existing procurement policies and procedures?
November 21, 2024 2:00 PM EST 

Implementing policies to change purchasing behavior

Participants will explore strategies for integrating procurement policies that influence purchasing behavior, aligning organizational objectives with sustainability goals, and fostering a culture of responsible procurement practices.

Discussion questions:

  1. How can procurement policies be tailored to effectively incentivize sustainable purchasing behaviors among suppliers and internal stakeholders?
  2. What are the most common barriers to implementing and enforcing procurement policies aimed at sustainability, and how can organizations overcome these obstacles?
  3. In what ways can procurement policies be continuously monitored and adjusted to ensure they remain aligned with evolving sustainability standards and organizational objectives?

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