Scope and challenges of introducing sustainable procurement in Power grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd. (PGCB Ltd.)

Abstract

Sustainable purchasing is a growing global trend. Increasingly businesses, governments, non-profits and other organizations are integrating social and environmental objectives into the purchasing process as a means to reduce their environmental footprint, leverage social benefits and foster a sustainable economy. The world is becoming more and more concerned about sustainability. As Bangladesh is a third-world developing country, sustainability is a major issue here. Bangladesh is one of the countries which are affected by climate changes most. Also environmental impact of any project is acute in this densely populated country. Poor working conditions and poorly treated labors (workers) are big questions. This paper is an exploratory study and assessment of existing procurement practices and policies adopted by the PGCB Ltd. and evaluation of those procedures in the line of sustainability guidelines and procedures of government and international agreements. To further overcome the challenges, some relevant recommendations have been given here. The report quantifies the impacts on environment and society of PGCB’s purchasing by generating a survey report attached to it. This focuses on the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ (TBL) issues of sustainable procurement. It pin points economic viability, environmental sustainability, social sustainability and ethical sourcing practices of PGCB. It looks at the emerging role of government, donor agencies and international policies in driving the sustainable purchasing agenda and assesses recent trends and practices in sustainable purchasing. Major conclusions are that, there is an emerging trend in PGCB towards organizations developing sustainability in purchasing programs. The challenges of contract performance monitoring and contract management need to be overcome to make the sustainable procurement successful in reality. Accordingly some plans & methods of driving sustainable culture development have been recommended herewith.