The workshop will take place on Monday, June 16 and Thursday, June 19 from 2-4:30 p.m. ET. 

This 2-part virtual workshop is designed to help institutions unlock the untapped potential of sustainable procurement (SP). Participants will learn about the strategic value of SP (What, Why and How), how it aligns with institutional goals, and the tools and processes needed to drive sustainability through procurement. Through case studies, interactive sessions and peer-to-peer learning participants will gain practical insights into implementing SP initiatives that benefit their organizations and suppliers, how procurement decisions can be a powerful force in advancing sustainability goals, and supporting internal strategies, and engaging suppliers in the transition toward a decarbonized economy.

Why this workshop? 

This workshop uniquely equips institutional buyers with the knowledge, tools, and strategic insights to turn procurement decisions into a powerful force for sustainability. Participants will learn to integrate SP practices that align with organizational goals, engage suppliers in the race to net-zero, and enhance their institution’s sustainability leadership. Empower your procurement team to make informed, impactful decisions that advance both environmental and institutional priorities!

Part 1: Sustainable Procurement – The What and Why – June 16th
In the first session, participants will explore the foundational concepts of SP. This includes the definition of SP, key elements of a SP process, and how SP supports organizational-level strategies. By the end of the session, participants will understand how their institutions can leverage procurement as a market force to support sustainability goals.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define sustainable procurement (SP): Understand the core elements of a sustainable procurement process.
• Explain the relevance of SP: Identify how SP is supported by STARS, external sustainability drivers, and internal organizational priorities.
• Align SP with strategic goals: Demonstrate how SP reinforces institutional strategies and sustainability goals.

Part 2: Sustainable Procurement – The Why and How – June 19th
In Part 2, participants will delve into the practicalities of integrating SP within their organizations. The focus will be on using open-source toolkits and resources to implement SP initiatives, and the session will explore how procurement can drive a market shift toward a net-zero, circular economy.

Learning Outcomes: 

• Articulate the benefits of SP: Understand how SP benefits both buyers and suppliers.
• Utilize SP toolkits: Access and apply free, open-source tools that facilitate the integration of SP into procurement systems.
• Leverage procurement as a market force: Describe how a robust SP system can help institutions and businesses collaborate on the journey toward net-zero emissions.

Key Details

Registration Fees* 

* To check if your organization is a current AASHE member, please search the AASHE Membership Directory.

A limited number of scholarships are available to individuals who need financial assistance to participate. Please apply two weeks before the program begins (e.g., 6/2/2025) to be considered for a scholarship for this workshop.

Registration Policies:

• Registration deadline is Monday, June 16, 12:00 p.m. ET.
• Payment is accepted in the form of Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.
  If you need to pay by check or ACH, please contact us at least 5 weeks prior to the event start date. Registration using these forms of payment must be received 4 weeks prior to the event start date and full payment must be received by AASHE within 2 weeks of event start date.
• Cancellation Policy: A 20% processing fee applies to any cancellation prior to June 6, 2025. No refunds will be given after June 6, 2025.
• No substitutions are allowed.
• Registered participants will receive access to the recording after the live event.
• Review all Terms & Conditions.

Register today

Facilitators

Katie Saha, Senior Manager of Learning and Partner Engagement, SPLC
Katie Saha is the Senior Manager of Learning & Partner Engagement. Katie works directly with SPLC members and external organizations to develop and implement strategic sustainable purchasing programs designed to drive market transformation. Prior to joining SPLC, she was a Sustainability Manager for Bristol-Myers Squibb where she oversaw the global strategic sourcing and procurement sustainability program and designed & managed their supplier engagement program. Katie has her Corporate Sustainability certification from New York University and holds a Bachelors of Science degree in International Business from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Bob Willard, Founder and Chief, Sustainability Champion Sustainability Advantage
Bob is a leading expert on sustainability justifications, frameworks, and sustainable procurement. Over the last 22 years, he has given more than 1,700 presentations, has authored six books and published two white papers. He provides six Master Slide Decks and over a dozen free, open-source tools and resources for sustainability champions.

Frances Edmonds, Head of Sustainable Impact, HP Canada

Frances Edmonds is the Head of Sustainable Impact at HP Canada, where she is responsible for business development and oversees Corporate Social Responsibility programs nationally. With a focus on sustainable procurement, Frances is driving meaningful change cross-sector that supports a more circular and sustainable economic future for Canada. With more than 30 years of experience, Frances is recognized as one of Canada’s top sustainability professionals having received two Clean 50 awards, is listed on the Canadian Women in the IT Channel Hall of Fame and has led HP to become the most sustainable technology company in Canada. She is Vice Chair of the board of Learning for a Sustainable Future and serves as a consultant for customers and academic institutions on sustainability strategies. She also sits on the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada as well as having completed work on the Expert Panel on the Circular Economy in Canada as assembled by the Council of Canadian Academies.

Any questions about the workshop?
Please contact Daita Serghi, education@aashe.org