It’s not enough to make symbolic efforts to be eco-conscious or “green” if you want to be a Fortune 1000 company supplier. Without real, science-based sustainability programs that demand action and accountability, suppliers are in danger of “green washing” their businesses with false product claims.

Such Green Washing does a disservice to buyers and the environment. It’s no way to run a successful, profitable business in the long term. Running a sustainable business benefits suppliers by making the most efficient use of its resources. Green suppliers, in turn, help corporate buyers meet their own sustainability challenges, making a truly green supplier valuable to its corporate buyers.

Today, there is a gap between what corporations seek and what many suppliers have the knowledge and resources to provide. Small and diverse suppliers may feel they lack the resources to provide sustainably produced products and services. But in today’s globally competitive business world, it’s necessary to develop the green awareness, knowledge and skills required by corporations.

To ensure the promise of social and economic inclusion, suppliers must be rooted in the principle of sustainability. The International Sustainability Institute of Applied Science, a division of ACF Enterprises has launched a program that connects suppliers with the green goals and strategies of their corporate clients.

Our SEMS (TM) the Green & Sustainable Supplier Development program is based on years of best practices in corporate sustainability. As an opt-in program, supply chain vendors can take an online assessment, and access training and technical assistance needed to create a sustainable development action plan.

SEMS (TM) the Green & Sustainable Supplier Development Program is a certification process that focuses specifically on three core areas:

• Knowledge to understand the sustainability concepts and principles imperative to corporate business strategy.
• Skills to develop a sustainability plan that outlines actions to be implemented across social, environmental and economic boundaries.
• Ability to plan with increased competence in sustainability and performance improvements.

SEMS (TM) the Green & Sustainable Supplier Development Certification is fast becoming the standard for green business certification among national business development organizations, and can provide valuable resources for suppliers looking effectively to Go Green.

– Icy L. Williams, President & CEO

ACF Enterprises LLC