sustainable procurement Tag

Man and woman walking through factory, looking at tablet and checklist

June 22, 2026 In Reeve News, Sustainable Procurement, Sustainable Products

EcoRFx: Sustainable Procurement Software for RFPs | Reeve Consulting

Every supplier evaluation starts with the same challenge: determining which sustainability criteria actually matter for a specific procurement requirement.

Too often, procurement teams are forced to choose between generic templates that don’t reflect the realities of the category being purchased or relying on sustainability specialists to guide every decision. The result can be inconsistent evaluations, lengthy approval processes and unnecessary pressure on sustainability teams with limited capacity.

After years of helping organizations embed sustainability into procurement processes, Reeve Consulting noticed the same challenge appearing again and again. Procurement professionals needed a practical way to identify the right sustainability requirements quickly, confidently, and consistently.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce EcoRFx, a new platform that transforms Reeve’s sustainable procurement expertise into an easy-to-use tool for procurement teams.

Why Sustainability Requirements Are So Difficult to Define

Every procurement category comes with unique sustainability considerations.

The questions that matter when purchasing IT equipment are very different from those required for construction projects, professional services, fleet vehicles, or facilities management. At the same time, organizations must navigate Canada’s Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (formerly Bill S-211), Indigenous procurement targets, organizational ESG commitments, supplier expectations, and reporting requirements.

Without a structured approach, procurement teams can face several common challenges:

Spending hours researching sustainability requirements for every RFP.
Using outdated or generic question libraries.
Creating bottlenecks by requiring sustainability team involvement in every procurement decision.

Organizations need a way to move faster without sacrificing rigour.

Introducing EcoRFx

EcoRFx helps procurement teams identify and prioritize the sustainability questions that matter most for each procurement requirement.

Based on the category, procurement type, and geography of each requirement, EcoRFx builds a tailored set of sustainability priorities. Once adjusted to fit the project, those priorities turn into a full set of supplier evaluation questions, ready to export and use.

Rather than starting from a blank page or waiting on someone else’s input, teams begin with a structured, defensible framework — ready to customize for each procurement process.

Every question also includes a documented rationale explaining why the requirement is relevant, along with evaluation guidelines to help procurement teams assess supplier responses. This gives teams the context to use those questions confidently and justify their choices when needed.

From Blank Page to Issued RFP in Under 15 Minutes

EcoRFx is designed to reduce the time and effort required to build sustainability requirements into procurement processes, giving teams a structured starting point instead of asking them to research and build requirements from scratch.

What Your Team Walks Away With

Bid-ready questions

Sustainability questions curated for your procurement category and ready to export into your RFP or procurement documents.

Defensible documentation

Documented rationales provide a clear record that can be shared with sustainability teams, leadership and auditors when teams need to explain why requirements were included.

A reusable template library

Start saving and reusing procurement requirements and organizational knowledge so teams don’t have to reinvent the process for every RFP. This way valuable knowledge stays within the organization as teams change.

Procurement independence

Give procurement professionals the tools and guidance to move projects forward without escalating every procurement decision to a sustainability specialist.

Turning Consulting Expertise Into a Practical Tool

EcoRFx is built by Reeve Consulting, a Canadian sustainable procurement advisory with more than two decades of experience helping organizations integrate sustainability into purchasing decisions.

The platform brings together the frameworks, question libraries, evaluation methodologies, and procurement insights refined through years of client engagements and hundreds of supplier evaluations.

By transforming that experience into a digital platform, EcoRFx makes Reeve’s sustainable procurement expertise more accessible to procurement teams and easier to apply across an organization.

Built on Reeve’s Four Pillars of Sustainable Procurement

At the core of EcoRFx is Reeve Consulting’s Four Pillars framework, developed through years of supporting public and private sector organizations across Canada.

1. Ethical

Evaluate governance practices, labour standards, transparency, and responsible business conduct.

2. Indigenous

Advance Indigenous participation and help organizations align with Indigenous procurement commitments, and reconciliation objectives.

3. Social

Support community benefits, workforce wellbeing, diversity, equity, and broader social outcomes.

4. Environmental

Address carbon emissions, resource use, waste reduction, circular economy considerations, and environmental performance.

Together, the four pillars help teams consider sustainability from multiple perspectives while focusing on the issues most relevant to each procurement.

Sustainable Procurement Without Starting From Scratch

EcoRFx isn’t designed to replace sustainability expertise. It’s designed to make that expertise easier to apply. Procurement teams gain a structured way to:

Determine what matters
Understand why it matters
Evaluate supplier responses, and
Document their decisions.

Sustainability professionals, in turn, can focus their time on higher-risk or more complex decisions without adding unnecessary complexity to the process.

The result is a practical way to bring more sustainability into more procurement decisions – from blank page to issued RFP – in as little as 15 minutes!

Explore EcoRFx

If your organization is looking to standardize sustainability requirements and strengthen procurement outcomes, visit EcoRFx to explore the platform and learn more.

See how EcoRFx works –>

March 31, 2026 In Reeve Blog, Sustainable Sports

The World is Watching: Are Supply Chains Ready for Sustainable Procurement at Mega Events?

Crowd at stadium cheering on the World Cup

The global sporting calendar between 2025–2027 is one of the most ambitious yet. Super Bowl LIX drew over 100 million viewers in February 2025. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first to follow the IOC’s reformed Olympic Agenda. FIFA World Cup 2026 (hosted across North America, including Vancouver) will be the largest in history. And preparations are already underway for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.

Each of these events commands billions in procurement spend. They mobilize vast supplier networks and reshape host city infrastructure. For corporate sustainability leaders, this scale represents not just risk, but a powerful opportunity to drive sustainable procurement in major events.

Sustainable procurement refers to purchasing decisions that consider environmental, social, and economic impacts. Not just cost.

The Climate Impact of the Global Sports Industry

Sport is big business, and continues to grow. A 2026 report by Oliver Wyman and the World Economic Forum projects the global sports economy will expand from $2.3 trillion to $8.8 trillion by 2050. However, climate and nature risks could put up to $517 billion in revenue at risk by 2030.

The environmental footprint of major sporting events is significant. A Cardiff University study found that the average event attendee generates an environmental footprint seven times greater than normal daily activity, largely due to travel. At scale, the numbers become staggering. By 2022, business travel accounted for 72.3% of the Olympics’ total carbon footprint.

Infrastructure decisions add further impact. South Korea dismantled a $110 million stadium shortly after the 2018 Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, rising heat, extreme weather, and pollution are already disrupting events and straining infrastructure.

The irony is hard to ignore: the same industry threatened by climate change is also contributing to it. But this also signals a major opportunity, specifically for sustainable procurement at major events.

A Global Platform for Sustainable Procurement Stories

Mega sporting events are not just environmental challenges, they are global communication platforms. Billions of viewers tune in, yet sustainability efforts are rarely highlighted.

There are strong examples however. Vancouver 2010 incorporated recycled metals into Olympic medals. Tokyo 2020 created all medals from recycled electronics, collecting over 47,000 tonnes of materials. London 2012 achieved zero waste to landfill and created one of Europe’s largest new urban parklands.

These achievements are significant, but largely unknown. When sustainability initiatives are integrated into storytelling, they normalize better practices at scale.

The goal should not only be to reduce harm. It should be to demonstrate what better looks like – and make it visible.

Why Sustainable Procurement Matters in Major Sporting Events

When billions of dollars move through a single organizing committee, procurement becomes a critical lever. Every purchasing decision shapes environmental and social outcomes.

Done well, sustainable procurement in major events supports low-carbon materials, inclusive employment, and stronger local economies.

Milano Cortina 2026 provides a strong example. Its Impact 2026 programme directs contracts to local and social enterprises. Over €1.77 million has already been awarded across 76 contracts, and more than 400 companies have received training.

This combination of economic resilience and social inclusion reflects the core goal of sustainable procurement strategies.

How to Embed Sustainable Procurement from the Start

Effective strategies are not added after contracts are signed—they are built in from the beginning. This includes tender criteria, supplier requirements, and impact measurement.

The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics demonstrated this approach successfully. Reeve Consulting has since supported multiple Olympic Organizing Committees and national sporting events, helping embed sustainable procurement strategies at scale.

As Vancouver prepares to co-host FIFA World Cup 2026, this experience continues to inform sustainability planning. Early integration ensures procurement decisions translate into measurable outcomes.

The Opportunity for Supply Chain Leaders

For corporate sustainability leaders, mega-events are concentrated moments of decision-making. Policies quickly become contracts, and contracts shape supplier behaviour.

They are also rare platforms where sustainability can be made visible and actionable to a global audience.

The frameworks already exist. The evidence is growing. Meanwhile, the cost of inaction continues to rise.

When the world is watching, procurement decisions carry more weight than ever.

If your organization is preparing for major events or large-scale procurement, now is the time to embed sustainability into your supply chain strategy. Contact Reeve Consulting to discuss sustainable procurement solutions.

FAQs

What is sustainable procurement in sports events?

It is the practice of sourcing goods and services in a way that considers environmental, social, and economic impacts for major sporting events.

Why is procurement important for sustainability?

Procurement decisions influence supply chains, materials, labour practices, and long-term community outcomes.

How can cities improve supply chain sustainability for major events?

By embedding sustainability criteria into procurement processes early, engaging local suppliers, and measuring impact consistently.

June 19, 2025 In Reeve Blog

Indigenous Procurement for Canada’s Future

Did you know that by practicing Indigenous procurement your business can uphold the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action for the corporate sector? With rising costs imposed on goods and materials at the border, Canadian businesses now have an added interest in sourcing their products, services, and suppliers locally. By including Indigenous businesses in your purchasing decisions, you are making sustainable steps towards a diverse and inclusive economy.

In this article, we’ll discuss how Indigenous procurement directly impacts the economic, social and environmental future of Canada and how your organization can create opportunities to support Indigenous business owners within your own supply chain.

Why your procurement choices matters

Your purchasing choices make a difference. Here are five reasons why supporting Indigenous-owned businesses makes a huge social and economic impact:

Closes wealth and capacity gaps. Engaging Indigenous businesses supports their development, strengthens their ability to compete in diverse markets and contributes to sustainable wealth generation within their communities.
Directly supports reconciliation. When your business buys from these entrepreneurs, it directly supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, including Action #92.
Supports communities. Money spent with Indigenous businesses supports job creation and skill development, creating a ripple effect across the business, its employees, and their families
Builds community resilience and tradition: Successful Indigenous businesses play a key role in helping to upkeep Indigenous traditions and culture in society, by showcasing and sharing Indigenous stories, practices, and innovation.
Supports sustainability. Many Indigenous entrepreneurs build and operate their companies based on the traditional values and practices of their culture, which places respect for the land and the people at the forefront.

Indigenous procurement in action

A recent example of how Indigenous procurement can create a positive ripple effect within the community was when playoff hockey took over Winnipeg, MB, and the Winnipeg Jets hockey team purchased their 2025 playoff towels from Dreamcatcher Promotions, an Indigenous-owned company. They were the first Indigenous-owned business to supply the NHL with playoff towels.

To meet demand, Dreamcatcher Promotions began printing 7,000-8,000 towels each day for an entire month and sourced local materials from Manitoba suppliers. At the rate of supply, Dreamcatcher Promotions was able to advance local Indigenous entrepreneurship within the province. “A lot of businesses are coming to us now, saying I didn’t know you had the capacity,” said Michelle Cameron, owner of Dreamcatcher Promotions “But it has gone beyond, now it’s inspiring the Indigenous community.”

Challenges of Indigenous procurement

While it may seem easy on paper to support Indigenous owned businesses, the reality often presents a few challenges to overcome:

There is still limited awareness and understanding of Indigenous business options. Your company will need to do some research to find relevant Indigenous suppliers.
Procurement processes can be complicated for Indigenous businesses to participate in, meaning they often miss opportunities.
Building trust with any new supplier takes time, no matter the kind of business, but this is especially important for Indigenous businesses and change won’t happen overnight.

How your organization can take meaningful action

Your organization can take meaningful steps towards overcoming these challenges. One foundational element is to integrate Indigenous procurement commitments into your procurement policy and communicate this policy to all departments in your organization.

Support Indigenous culture by building relationships with local communities and councils. Sponsor events, and donate your time and resources to help them better their communities.
Simplify your RFP process to make it easier to do business with Indigenous-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Reduce procurement barriers by considering set-asides, simplifying requirements, and unbundling contracts.
Partner or consult with organizations that support Indigenous business development. This includes the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) and the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC Supplier Certification).
Source from suppliers with a majority Indigenous leadership and control to ensure meaningful economic participation and impact.
Encourage all suppliers to support reconciliation by asking how they uphold Indigenous rights and engage with Rightsholders.

Supporting equality, inclusion, and reconciliation

Supporting reconciliation is our duty as Canadian businesses and citizens. Taking meaningful action and setting realistic goals can help your business thrive while supporting Indigenous businesses and their communities.

At Reeve Consulting, we can help businesses advance truth and reconciliation efforts by creating opportunities and building relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit entrepreneurs.

Our work proudly aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) principles, reducing barriers to Indigenous participation in public spending.

Let us help you create more sustainable procurement solutions within your business. Get to know the faces behind Reeve Consulting and contact us today.

April 10, 2025 In Reeve Blog

Canada’s Modern Slavery Act: What We Learned from Year One and What’s Next 

Canada’s first year under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act exposed both progress and gaps in tackling labor exploitation. Many organizations struggled with compliance due to unclear guidance, leading to rushed reports and uneven action. Others took initial steps to address forced labor in supply chains—recognizing risks, drafting policies, and meeting reporting requirements. Public Safety Canada’s inaugural review offers critical insights, laying the foundation for a strategic roadmap to scale and strengthen your efforts.

March 29, 2025 In Reeve Blog, Sustainable Purchasing

Sustainable Procurement Matters in Times of Uncertainty

In an era marked by economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and climate risks, organizations are under immense pressure to manage costs while maintaining operational resilience. Procurement teams must navigate fluctuating supply chains, regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer expectations. Amid this uncertainty, sustainable procurement is emerging as a key competitive advantage, helping organizations cut costs, build resilience, and future-proof their supply chains. Now is the time to embed sustainability into procurement strategies—ensuring long-term value while mitigating risks in an unpredictable world.

March 12, 2025 In Reeve News

Reeve Consulting’s First-Ever Clothing Drive: More than just a success!

Reeve Consulting’s first-ever clothing drive was an incredible success, we are excited to share the impact we made together! With 100% of participants feeling they made a positive impact, it’s clear that this event resonated deeply with our community.

The Impact We Made:

With the generous contributions of our attendees and partners, we:
– Donate enough clothing to support 100 people in need
– Raised $1,700 for Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Vancouver to help vulnerable communities in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
– Partnered with 12 local Vancouver businesses for a silent auction, including Arc’teryx, Herschel, Hive Climbing, tentree, and more

A Conversation on Sustainability and Fashion

The event began with an inspiring presentation by Stan (Manager from UGM Vancouver), who shared the organization’s mission and real-life impact of their work. It not only set the stage for why this clothing drive mattered, but also the positive influence our participants will make.

Following this, our expert panel discussion explored key sustainability challenges in the fashion industry. Representatives from four organizations shared their perspectives on critical issues:

Denise from Fairware emphasized the importance of ethical sourcing in promotional apparel, she explained how Fairware ensures fair wages and safe working conditions in their supply chain.

Alyssa from Fashion Revolution Canada reflected on the Rana Plaza factory collapse and how it sparked a global movement for greater supply chain transparency and improved worker rights.

Vikram from Canopy highlighted how their CanopyStyle initiative is helping brands reduce their reliance on ancient and endangered forests for fabric production.

Marcelle from DreamStill discussed how AI-driven circular solutions are transforming fashion by enabling brands to track materials and extend the lifecycle of clothing and reducing overall waste.

Looking Ahead

Thank you to everyone who donated, participated, and contributed to making this event a success! Your support is making a real difference. At Reeve Consulting, we’re committed to continuing our community impact. Stay tuned for our next event—our annual beach cleanup this summer!

February 14, 2025 In Green Building, Reeve Blog, Sustainable Purchasing

Behind The Seams of Fast Fashion & Making Better Choices

Every day, we put on clothes without a second thought. But have you ever wondered what it took for them to reach your closet? Behind every piece of clothing lies a long and complex journey—one that starts with raw material extraction, passes through chemical treatments and factory production, and eventually lands in stores before ending up in ever-growing piles of textile waste.

Fast fashion makes clothing cheap, trendy, and disposable, but at what cost? The materials that fuel this industry—polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetics—are derived from fossil fuels. These fabrics shed microplastics, consume massive amounts of water, and rely on exploitative labor.

In recent years, there’s been a growing wave of change as the industry recognizes the urgent need to address its environmental, social and ethical toll. From eco-friendly materials to circular fashion models, change is happening —but it needs you to be a part of it. Make better choices – for the planet, for people, and for yourself!

February 5, 2025 In Green Building, Reeve Blog, Sustainable Purchasing

Human Rights Washing: A New Ethical Dilemma

In the era of heightened corporate responsibility and growing regulatory requirements, organizations are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate ethical practices. Yet, just as greenwashing misleads about environmental efforts, human rights washing is emerging as a troubling parallel in the fight for supply chain integrity.

While a company may tout stellar governance or retailer partnerships in developed countries, this does not guarantee the absence of human rights abuses in its supply chain. Ignoring the issue not only perpetuates exploitation but also exposes companies to legal, financial, and reputational risks. Businesses must move beyond superficial claims and take meaningful steps to ensure human rights are upheld across their operations.

December 13, 2024 In Green Building, Reeve Blog, Sustainable Purchasing

Unlocking Community Potential: Learn From Vancouver’s Policy

Have you ever glanced at the cranes towering over Vancouver, the skeletons of new condos and high-rises taking shape, and wondered: How much does it cost to build those? Where does the money go? How much of it benefits the people who live here?

Fortunately, the City of Vancouver has taken a bold step to ensure that new developments are more than just modern buildings—so that their construction creates employment opportunities for equity-deserving individuals and supports local economic development.

Vancouver has the third-highest low-income rate in Canada, with one in four residents living below the low-income measure. By leveraging the economic power of construction and development, the Community Benefit Agreements Policy seeks to create meaningful opportunities for residents and the local economy.

December 10, 2024 In Best Practice Framework Series

Why Do We Implement Sustainable Procurement Procedures?

Even with all the ingredients, it is difficult to make a cake without a recipe. If Tools are the ingredients of a Sustainable Procurement Program, Procedures are the recipe. Once an organization develops their Tools, it is crucial that they update their Procurement Procedures to reflect how and when staff should use them.