Tools: Sustainable supply chain management
Supply chain management is more a concept than a tool. It describes the systematic cooperation of a company with its suppliers at every level of the value chain. The goal is to optimise business processes both within the company and with the other partner companies. The cooperation’s starting point is consumer-driven demand for ecological products or the production of products that creates the necessary customer demand.
Management Cycle Stages
Using a systematic management “plan-do-check-act” cycle to implement a corporate biodiversity management process allows for proper business orientation, for example, as is used when part of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) or ISO 14000.
Finding the business-specific relationship between company and biodiversity is, however, made more difficult by the complexity and extent of biodiversity (ecosystem, species, and genetic pool). The criteria “rareness” and “endangerment” of species and habitats act as a point of orientation. Aids in determining such threats to biodiversity such as the “Red List”, the European Union’s Habitats Directive along with the EU’s Birds Directive and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Scientific expertise is often required in cases where specific plans are made. This is an area where local environment and nature conservation groups can provide businesses with technical know-how, representing an opportunity to deepen the cooperation with regional NGOs.
Act - A
Take corrective action
Do - D
Implement action plans
