Blog post 2/7/2025
Sustainability

Why ISO 14001 Should Be Favoured in Public Procurement Tenders

ISO 14001 and public procurement
ISO 14001 plays a critical role in public procurement, offering a structured approach to environmental management that benefits both buyers and suppliers. By setting evaluation criteria that prioritize ISO 14001 certification, buyers can incentivize suppliers to adopt more systematic approaches to target setting, risk identification, and mitigation, ultimately creating a more sustainable and resilient supply chain.

The Strategic Advantage of ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. It helps organizations identify, manage, and control their environmental issues, aiming to minimize overall environmental impact. Companies that use ISO 14001 as a strategic tool can significantly future proof their business and gain a competitive advantage.

At Evercare Medical, ISO 14001 is more than just a certification—it’s our way of working. We’ve built a robust system to identify social and environmental risks, prioritize them, and implement mitigation plans. This structured approach ensures that we continuously improve and stay proactive in managing our supply chains.

 

Key Considerations for ISO 14001 in Tenders

When evaluating suppliers in public procurement, it’s not enough to simply check if they are ISO 14001 certified. It’s essential to ask how they incorporate ISO 14001 into their strategic Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) work.

ISO 14001 requires yearly audits, reviewing how companies manage and mitigate risks. A supplier that uses ISO 14001 merely as a pre-audit activity to maintain certification won’t provide much value. However, when used as a systematic tool, ISO 14001 can help future-proof the business, ensuring a steady supply chain and reducing the risk of costly disruptions.

 

Benefits of ISO 14001 for Public Procurement

ISO 14001 is a proven management system that offers numerous advantages:

  • Efficient Resource Use: It promotes the reduced use of resources and more efficient energy consumption.
  • Smarter Procurement: The system encourages smarter procurement strategies, reducing costs and waste management.
  • Enhanced Business Development: It positions sustainability as a core business concept, fostering long-term growth.
  • Increased Goodwill and Credibility: ISO 14001 enhances the organization’s credibility, both internally and externally, boosting goodwill and competence.

 

Johannes Mauritzson, Commercial Manager & ESG Transformation Manager at Evercare Medical, highlights, “We aim to be transparent about our sustainability work and the challenges we face. By systematically identifying and mitigating risks in our supply chain, we ensure that we meet our customers' expectations, particularly in the public sector, where environmental and social challenges are taken very seriously.”

 

Top Three Takeaways

Include as a Requirement: ISO 14001 should be evaluated favorably in public procurement tenders as a requirement for suppliers.

Raise Credibility: Strategic use of ISO 14001 enhances the organization’s credibility, goodwill, and internal competence.

Address Risk Ahead of Time: Comprehensive risk assessments using ISO 14001 can future-proof the business, preventing supply chain disruptions and ensuring reliable delivery.

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