New CIRIA handbook supports responsible sourcing agenda

Where do the materials and products used in construction projects come from? What are their social, environmental and ethical impacts? Do you consider them in your purchasing decisions?

Adopting responsible sourcing practices is the key to act on these issues and to manage potential risks and impacts associated with the purchase of materials, products and services, such as child labour, excessive use of resources, or greenhouse gas emissions. With an economy based on global networks and supply chains this can be very challenging and requires a close collaboration between all the parties involved in project delivery, from clients to designers and specifiers, through to suppliers and product manufacturers.

The construction industry is increasingly realising this and we are witnessing the evolution of the market and changes in procurement processes: clients and contractors are keen to work with organisations that can demonstrate they are adopting responsible sourcing practices; at the same time, manufacturers and suppliers are seeking third party certification to demonstrate their supply chain transparency and, ultimately, increase their ability to win more work.

To support the wider adoption of responsible sourcing practices and to reduce risks, CIRIA, with contributions from key experts, has produced a new handbook Minimising risk through responsible sourcing (C767) to help anyone involved in construction projects to better understand what to look for when making purchasing decisions.

If you want to know more about responsible sourcing, hear how leading organisations are tackling risks and how the new CIRIA guidance can help you, sign up for the handbook launch events on 1 June in London or 19 June in Loughborough.