Laurie Kaye Nijaki and Gabriela Worrel
The paper seeks to demonstrate how local entities, such as cities and counties, can use environmentally preferable purchasing plans as a tool in developing the local green…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper seeks to demonstrate how local entities, such as cities and counties, can use environmentally preferable purchasing plans as a tool in developing the local green economy. First, the authors focus specifically on either the rise of economic development programs through buy‐local efforts, or the focus on environmental sustainability through green procurement programs. Second, the authors discuss how locally driven, environmentally preferable purchasing could be used as a strategy to marry these goals together and utilize procurement as a tool to achieve green local economic development.
Design/methodology/approach
This research used qualitative methods to examine both procurement for economic development through the use of buy local campaigns, in addition to environmentally preferable procurement policies that have been used to bolster environmental quality in communities.
Findings
Green local economic development can be achieved by melding together procurement programs previously singularly focused on either economic development aims, or environmental preservation. It is found that procurement can be used as a viable tool in fostering both economic and environmental goals, and as a key policy and planning tool for sub‐national governments in the pursuit of a green economy.
Originality/value
Given the increased attention of achieving sustainable development in communities, this paper seeks to re‐envision procurement as one crucial tool for municipalities and regional governments that seek to bolster green jobs in their communities. The paper seeks to develop a new framework for public procurement through this investigation.
Details
Keywords
Anca Draghici, Gabriela Banaduc, Roxana Mihaela Sirbu and Tamas-Szora Attila
This study is based on actual legal requirements in Europe on disclosure of nonfinancial information and the principle of the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment…
Abstract
This study is based on actual legal requirements in Europe on disclosure of nonfinancial information and the principle of the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI), reflecting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitment behavior from companies. Given that plastic pollution is the world’s biggest source of climate change, stakeholders want sustainable packaging and an ESG disclosure approach that creates value over the long run. The research aims to identify the critical factors that influence ESG reporting and contribute to Romanian packaging firms’ long-term financial success. Using the ideas of value creation process theory, a content analysis was done in the first research stage to examine sustainability/ESG reports from the five companies on their long-term value development process and the techniques they used. Second, the findings were verified for validity (credibility and reliability) using semi-structured interviews with Romanian ESG professionals. The research results, aligned with the literature, indicate that a strong business strategy integrated with ESG across the value chain, along with a multistakeholder and commitment-driven approach, is critical in creating long-term business value. Lastly, it is highly advised that reporting practitioners, sustainability leaders and policymakers of consumer goods packaging companies implement all the key determinants of ESG reporting as identified in this study to create long-term business value through ESG reporting by moving beyond compliance-driven strategy.