Sustainable procurement is a vital component of any organization's sustainability strategy. ISO 20400:2017, Sustainable Procurement, is an international standard outlining the principles and guidelines for sustainable procurement.

It is intended to help organizations understand how to identify, manage and minimize environmental, social and economic risks associated with their supply chain and procurement activities.

The standard provides a framework for organizations to assess the sustainability of their procurement activities, as well as guidance on how to identify and manage risks associated with the supply chain. It covers topics such as the impact of procurement on the environment and human rights, ethical considerations, and transparency and accountability. It also includes specific guidance on how to engage suppliers to ensure they are meeting the organization's sustainability objectives.

Organizations can use the standard's framework to identify and manage their sustainable procurement risks and opportunities. By using the standard's guidelines, organizations can ensure that their procurement processes are aligned with their sustainability goals. For example, the standard outlines the importance of understanding the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of their supply chain, as well as the need for supplier engagement and transparency.

The standard also provides organizations with guidance on how to monitor and report their progress in implementing and maintaining sustainable procurement processes. This helps to ensure that organizations are continually improving their procurement processes and that their supply chain is managed in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Overall, ISO 20400:2017, Sustainable Procurement, provides organizations with a comprehensive framework to ensure that their procurement processes are managed in a sustainable manner. By following the standard's criteria and guidelines, organizations can ensure that their supply chain is managed responsibly and that their environmental, social and economic impacts are minimized.

Additionally, the standard's monitoring and reporting criteria help to ensure that organizations are continually improving their procurement processes and that their sustainability objectives are being met.