Leading Property Client Benefits from ISO 20400 Supply Chain Training

Discover how Action Sustainability developed a Supply Chain Charter for a leading property client, leveraging ISO 20400 consultancy and tailored 1:1 training for enhanced sustainability.

The Task

Action Sustainability was selected to develop a Supply Chain Charter for a large property client.

This company oversees a broad range of property development and management assets and has a significant investment portfolio across the UK and London.

In common with many property businesses, the client delivers much of its value through a supply chain. They aspire to be an exemplar sustainable business and need to take their partners with them. The client chose to adopt ISO 20400 as a strategic framework to develop their sustainable supply chain strategy, with the first step to develop a Supply Chain Charter.

Our task was to help them develop a charter that reflected their ambitions and could be translated into procurement action.

The Action

Action Sustainability developed a number of significant work streams:

Completing best practice research in the property sector and other relevant sectors globally
Utilising expertise to develop potential scenarios for discussion with key stakeholders
Performing internal consultation with the client and their key suppliers, including workshops and 1:1 interviews with senior managers, executive committee members and the CEO
Drafting a Charter and presenting it to the Client’s Executive Committee for final production

The Charter we developed was the starting point for a three-year implementation programme for the client, aligned with their business strategy. The implementation is ongoing but by signposting their requirements to the supply chain, they will manage their impacts effectively over the long term.

Objectives were divided into two conditions: mandatory minimum requirements for suppliers, and aspirations they wished to engage their supply chain to achieve. The Charter will support the client to set stretching goals and to engage with their supply chain constructively in order to encourage innovation.

“Action Sustainability is a world leader in sustainable procurement in the built environment. We have a long-standing relationship and therefore they understand our business well. The team used this understanding to engage with our business in a constructive way at all levels. They did what they said they would do, when they said they would do it, and were flexible in adapting the programme to ensure the best possible outcome for the project.”

International Property Client Sustainability Manager