Page 164 - GHES-3-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Sustainable procurement in healthcare to address value chain

Count of Q3. Scope 1, 2 None of above Scope 1 Scope 2
Climate change is and 3
risk combatted by
controlling
87% 2% 6% 4%
Figure 9. Response to the association between carbon footprint reduction
and climate change risks by working on inventorising and mitigating
scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions

Count of Q4. Upstream and None Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3
Downstream Vendors are of the
highly the target group for above
Climate risk mitigation and
its part of which of the below
Figure 8. Response to environmental and social outcomes 13% 9% 11% 68%
Figure 10. Response to the association between vendor involvement and
agreed that accounting for GHG emissions across scopes 1, climate risk mitigation
2, and 3 is crucial for effective climate mitigation efforts
(Figure 9). In addition, 68% of participants believed that factor for adopting sustainable procurement. The
engaging upstream and downstream vendors is essential CAHO masterclass program proved successful, as
for reducing the hospital’s climate footprint and assisting 79% of participants recognized the importance of
with climate risk mitigation (Figure 10). There is strong an employee engagement mechanism for providing
recognition of the environmental and social benefits of feedback on social concerns within the organization.
sustainable procurement, but vendor involvement in In addition, 70% of the participants acknowledged
climate risk mitigation should also be emphasized. that well-being extends beyond hospital employees

3.4. Benefits of sustainable procurement and contractors within organizational boundaries,
reaching into a broader value chain. This perspective
Notably, 93% of participants understood the concept reflects a strong alignment with the commitment to
of sustainable procurement, which aims to reduce ethical and responsible sourcing practices.
environmental impact and foster positive social outcomes. (iii) Governance practices: About 92% of participants
This indicates a commendable level of awareness regarding highlighted that board-level discussions and
the overarching objectives of sustainable procurement structured organizational approaches demonstrate
practices. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate a a strong commitment to and strategic integration of
robust correlation between the overall comprehension sustainability principles.
of sustainable procurement goals and the recognition of
specific benefits, such as responsible business practices, 3.5. Sustainable procurement practices
decarbonization, water conservation, governance, The participants’ responses indicate optimistic trends in
and stakeholder engagement, thereby enhancing their favor of sustainable procurement practices, as indicated
knowledge and understanding. In addition, mitigation in the ISO 20400 framework. This was evident from 98%
of supply chain risks, cost reduction, and employees’ of participants acknowledging the practice of defining
well-being are pivotal, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainable procurement policy, stakeholder engagement,
sustainable procurement (Figure 11). and strategic decisions through comparison based on
Other notable benefits of sustainable procurements, as LCA. An analysis of their feedback revealed that almost
perceived by the participants (Figure 11), are observed as 94% of healthcare professionals support practices that link
follows: hospitals with sustainable procurement systems:
(i) Environmental responsibility: Disposal of hazardous (i) Endorsed practices: As indicated in Figure 12, 90%
waste, decarbonization, driving a water-positive goal, of healthcare professionals in the healthcare industry
and selecting material through applying life cycle emphasize the importance of benchmarking supplier
assessment (LCA) are indicators of environmental performance, establishing a benchmark for gauging
initiatives acknowledged by 94 – 96% of participants. advancement, and identifying areas for improvement.
(ii) Social responsibility: Approximately 85% of the (ii) Partially endorsed practices: While 72% of respondents
participants chose competency as an influencing acknowledged the importance of clear communication

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 156 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.5663