Sustainable Procurement Practices: ESG-Integrated Supply Chain Models for Corporate Responsibility and Environmental Performance

• Author(s): Joshua Seluese Okojie ; Opeyemi Morenike Filani ; Sadat Itohan Ihwughwavwe ; Joy Kweku Sakyi
• Paper ID: 1710668
• Page: 380-407
• Published Date: 31-08-2020
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 4 Issue 2 August-2020

Abstract

The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into procurement practices has emerged as a critical component of corporate sustainability strategies in the twenty-first century. This research examines the implementation of ESG-integrated supply chain models within sustainable procurement frameworks, analyzing their effectiveness in enhancing corporate responsibility and environmental performance outcomes. Through comprehensive analysis of contemporary procurement practices across multiple industry sectors, this study investigates how organizations are embedding sustainability criteria into their supplier selection, contract management, and performance evaluation processes. The research methodology employed a multi-faceted approach, incorporating case study analysis, stakeholder interviews, and quantitative assessment of ESG metrics within procurement decision-making frameworks. Data was collected from Fortune 500 companies spanning manufacturing, technology, retail, and financial services sectors, with particular emphasis on organizations demonstrating advanced sustainable procurement implementations. The analysis reveals that companies with robust ESG-integrated procurement models demonstrate significantly improved environmental performance indicators, including reduced carbon footprints, enhanced resource efficiency, and improved waste management outcomes. Key findings indicate that successful ESG integration in procurement requires comprehensive stakeholder engagement, cross-functional collaboration between procurement, sustainability, and executive leadership teams, and the establishment of measurable performance indicators aligned with corporate sustainability objectives (Adanigbo et al., 2020). Organizations implementing mature ESG-integrated procurement models report average reductions of 23% in supply chain-related greenhouse gas emissions and 18% improvements in supplier diversity metrics over three-year implementation periods. Furthermore, these companies demonstrate enhanced risk management capabilities, with 35% fewer supply chain disruptions related to environmental and social compliance issues. The study identifies several critical success factors for effective ESG integration, including executive commitment, supplier capacity building programs, technology-enabled monitoring systems, and collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders. However, significant challenges persist, including supplier readiness gaps, measurement complexities, and cost considerations that can impede widespread adoption. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable supply chain management by providing empirical evidence of the relationship between ESG-integrated procurement practices and measurable sustainability outcomes. The findings have important implications for corporate leaders, procurement professionals, and policy makers seeking to advance sustainable business practices through supply chain transformation. As stakeholder expectations continue to evolve and regulatory frameworks increasingly emphasize corporate environmental responsibility, the integration of ESG principles into procurement practices represents a fundamental shift toward more sustainable and socially responsible business operations.

Keywords

Sustainable Procurement, ESG Integration, Supply Chain Sustainability, Corporate Responsibility, Environmental Performance, Supplier Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk Management

Citations

IRE Journals:
Joshua Seluese Okojie , Opeyemi Morenike Filani , Sadat Itohan Ihwughwavwe , Joy Kweku Sakyi "Sustainable Procurement Practices: ESG-Integrated Supply Chain Models for Corporate Responsibility and Environmental Performance" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 4 Issue 2 2020 Page 380-407

IEEE:
Joshua Seluese Okojie , Opeyemi Morenike Filani , Sadat Itohan Ihwughwavwe , Joy Kweku Sakyi "Sustainable Procurement Practices: ESG-Integrated Supply Chain Models for Corporate Responsibility and Environmental Performance" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 4(2)