3. Responsible Sourcing
Insight #3: Responsible Sourcing
THE CONCRETE
INDUSTRY WAS
MORE THAN
80%
COMPLIANT WITH
BES 6001 WITHIN
12 MONTHS OF
ITS LAUNCH IN 2008
With increased globalisation, the movement of goods and people has added to the complexity of supply chains and procurement practices. This raises concerns about labour practices, how goods are produced and their environmental impact.
During 2008/9 the concrete industry’s sustainable construction strategy adopted BRE’s responsible sourcing certification scheme, BES 6001, with the target of achieving 95% certification by 2020. Both concrete product companies and supply chain manufacturers were encouraged to obtain BES 6001 certification, and the industry published guidance detailing more industry-specific explanations of the scheme requirements.
With well-defined, closely controlled and predominantly local supply chains, in 2016 the industry was able to produce 90% of concrete, 100% of cement, 100% of GGBS and 93% of aggregates to BES 6001. More than 90% of the concrete certified was rated Very Good or Excellent.
Clients can also achieve credits for responsible sourcing within the BREEAM, Home Quality Mark (HQM), CEEQUAL and LEED sustainability assessment schemes.
The social aspects of responsible sourcing are becoming more prominent and labour practices are under greater scrutiny. Industries that import into the UK must be particularly vigilant. There has also been a recognition, with the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, that the UK needs to ensure that its own labour practices are fair and ethical. Using products that are certified as responsibly sourced is an important way to ensure transparency and that highest ethical standards are met.
Read the Insight #3: Responsible Sourcing article including:
- Organisations want to work with others who share their values, by Shamir Ghumra, BRE
- In Practice: Canary Wharf Group
Find out the latest update on the Responsible Sourcing performance indicator