Smart supply chains lead to better risk management, sustainable projects and business opportunities

Smart supply chains lead to better risk management, sustainable projects and business opportunities

New research published today by the Supply Chain Sustainability School shows that greater sustainability knowledge in construction and infrastructure supply chains is increasingly helping to minimise risk and improve how business is done, leading to higher quality outcomes with no additional cost.

Findings from Australia’s leading sustainable supply chain educator show that sustainability knowledge is gaining in importance, with just over half (52%) of survey participants reporting that sustainability has become more important to their businesses in the last year.

Around half (49%) have begun to engage suppliers earlier, and most organisations (72%) now have a sustainability program or plan.

Robin Mellon, Chief Executive Officer of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, says the study provides insights into the sectors’ skills gaps, training preferences and supplier relationships.

“Almost a third, or 32 per cent, of School members have seen economic, environmental or social benefits from improved supply chains,” Mr Mellon explains. “The benefits being captured by members include increased awareness of their priorities and objectives, better reporting and reduced waste.”

“John Holland has been a strong supporter of the School from the beginning because we understand how our supply chains can help us achieve our sustainability goals” says Renuka Sabaratnam, Group Manager for Sustainability at John Holland and Chair of the School’s Advisory Board.

“The majority, in fact 90 per cent, of the School’s members feel that the most important factor for the success of sustainability programs is commitment from management,” she adds.

“There is a growing appetite for sustainability skills across our built environment, across Green Star projects, and across Australia’s supply chains,” says Romilly Madew, the Chief Executive Officer of the Green Building Council of Australia, which is a founding partner of the School.

“Better educated businesses mean better, greener buildings and more sustainable communities.”

“Fifty-five per cent of respondents already see the Supply Chain Sustainability School as the go-to online resource for supply chain sustainability knowledge”, Mr Mellon adds.

“We encourage small, medium and large organisations across Australia to take advantage of the School’s free sustainability learning resources, and to work with their supply chains towards more sustainable outcomes and more efficient businesses,” Mr Mellon concludes.

Research findings can be accessed online in multiple formats:

www.supplychainschool.org.au/about/news/105/Results-of-the-Schools-Annual-Member-Survey

Sydney, Australia (22 June 2017)