This document provides guidance on creating a responsible request for proposal (RFP) that addresses sustainability. It outlines key elements to include in an RFP such as requiring suppliers to have sustainable forestry practices, clean production processes, strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and increase recycling. The document also recommends resources like environmental assessment tools and templates that can help structure sustainability requirements in an RFP. The goal is to drive continuous improvement, engage suppliers, and promote responsible practices throughout the supply chain.

2. Sustainability Elements of a Responsible Request for ProposalMeta BrophyDirector, Publishing OperationsConsumers UnionMonica GarveySustainability ManagerVerso Paper CorporationJoe MuehlbachExecutive DirectorFacilities and Environmental PolicyQuad Graphics

3. ObjectivesUnderstand the Business Case for Sustainability

4. Provide guidance on the procurement of environmentally responsible paper & print.

5. Understand key elements

6. Engage in dialogue

7. Assess suppliers

8. Provide Environmental RFP Template and other referencesSustainability Business GoalsPromote your commitment

9. Demonstrate stewardship and leadership

10. Garner good PR—internal and external

11. Drive continuous improvement

12. Establish guiding principles

13. Compare environmental performance

14. Endorse what vendors are doing

15. Identify supply chain efficiencies

16. Encourage integration throughout facilities, materials, handling

17. Outline issues, benchmark, measureGreen Purchasing . . . Sustainable Sourcing . . . Environmentally Preferred Purchasing . . . Sustainable Procurement . . . Economics is very much under purchasing’s control and skill set while CSR is far less so but green purchasing must be informed and conversant in both. CSR issues are already forcing major organizations such as Wal-Mart, Proctor & Gamble, Home Depot and many other multi-billion dollar business giants to adopt sustainability as a corporate goal. Even such giants cannot achieve their sustainability goals on their own; they must count the gains of their suppliers throughout the supply chain. Therefore, it arrives at purchasing’s door to drive sustainability throughout the supply chain to meet the demands of customers, prospective work force, and society at large. The old adage of “fore warned is fore armed” applies. –Robert Menard, Certified Purchasing Professional and Consultant, Green Purchasing & Sustainability July 2011

18. Employee Engagement

19. Conserving Resources

20. Key Elements to Address in RFPCorporate Philosophy

21. Paper and Packaging made from fiber sourced legally from Sustainably Managed Forests

22. Paper, Packaging and Print resulting from Clean, Responsible Production PracticesClimate Change and Carbon Footprint

23. Recycling and Use of Recovered Paper Products