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Balancing cost with sustainability

30 April

Balancing cost with sustainability

How to make ESG stack up

Balancing cost with sustainability

Procurement professionals today face a growing tension between cost pressures and sustainability commitments. Inflationary trends, ongoing supply chain disruptions and geopolitical trade barriers such as fluctuating US tariffs are making it harder than ever for organisations to keep environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives at the top of the agenda.

This report in partnership with ERA Group reveals:

The complex state of supply contributing to the deprioritisation of ESG
The power procurement and supply professionals can exert to achieve net zero
How ESG regulations are impacting procurement
What you can do to embed sustainability into procurement decisions
The practical steps one business took to reduce its plastic waste
Plus: a roadmap to help you take the steps needed to balance financial prudence with responsible sourcing

Further CIPS training and resources on sustainability

22 July 2025 – attend the Sustainable Procurement Skills training course - Aus & NZ
11-12 September 2025 – attend the Sustainable Procurement Skills training course – UK

Related Expert Reports

Uncovering hidden supply chain risks through data-driven visibility

Uncovering hidden supply chain risks through data-driven visibility

Every company’s supply chain spans multiple regions, industries and activities, comprising millions of people and businesses. Given this complexity, identifying and managing sustainability concerns in these networks – which present operational, reputational and financial risks – is a significant challenge.

2026 Indirect Procurement Report: Uncertainty driving efficiency

2026 Indirect Procurement Report: Uncertainty driving efficiency

Download the 2026 Indirect Procurement Report from RS, in partnership with CIPS, to learn key business pressures facing procurement professionals, why sustainability remains integral and the latest procurement trends across industries.

Global conflict and dispute resolution industry report 2026

Global conflict and dispute resolution industry report 2026

Procurement and supplier management functions are increasingly expected to balance resilience, innovation, and value delivery in an environment defined by uncertainty. This report from Resolutiion invites CPOs, supplier relationship leads, and commercial professionals to reframe how they see conflict.

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Privacy Notice

We sometimes partner with other organisations to create industry-leading content pieces that are free to access. Details of other organisations we work with can be found within our Privacy Statement.

CIPS would like to keep you updated by email and phone with information and opportunities which we hope will help you in your work. We believe this demonstrates a legitimate interest in using your details for marketing messages for similar topics and purposes as the event you have registered for.

Please tick here if you DON’T want to receive relevant products, promotions and other services from CIPS via the following channels:

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