Using sustainable procurement methods presents a valuable opportunity to make a positive difference in the world. Attractions that use their collective buying power to support sustainability and social values can inspire change, causing a ripple effect through their supply chains and audiences. With greater frequency, the global attractions industry has adopted smart procurement strategies to help businesses thrive.
Mission Possible
Sustainable procurement embeds principles that promote the protection of the environment and society into an organization’s processes and decisions. The international standard ISO 20400:2017 defines this as “procurement that has the most positive environmental, social, and economic impacts possible over the entire life cycle.” The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals reflect the need for sustainable consumption and production as well.
In addition to the environmental and social benefits, companies practicing sustainable procurement may see improved supplier relations, long-term cost savings, and greater appreciation among employees and consumers.
Attractions can start by examining where they spend their money. Once they know where they spend the most, where waste occurs, and which areas have the highest environmental impact, they can choose their priorities and develop a realistic improvement plan.
Questions to ask include:
- Where could changing suppliers and products have the most impact?
- Are team members part of the process and receive proper communication around sustainable changes?
- Is there potential to develop more innovative and sustainable products?
- Could facilities and manufacturers reduce, reuse, or recycle more?
Leading by Example
The Vancouver Aquarium has pioneered sustainable procurement practices since the early 2000s, setting standards around responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. “It’s a fundamental aspect of who we are and why we’re a destination of choice for environmentally conscious individuals,” Anthony Pratt, director of business operations at the aquarium, explains to Funworld. “We prioritize collaboration with our supply chains to ensure sustainable and responsible procurement practices that consider environmental, social, and ethical factors. This involves establishing clear expectations and guidelines for our suppliers regarding environmental impact, equality, diversity, inclusion, and human rights. We actively seek out suppliers who share our values and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.”
The Vancouver Aquarium selects vendors offering sustainable seafood options, eco-friendly packaging, and products that minimize environmental impact throughout their life cycle. The facility partners with local businesses using a “shop local” philosophy and has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint.
The purchasing department evaluates suppliers through a comprehensive and scored assessment questionnaire. Product suppliers are resurveyed every two years.
The Vancouver Aquarium found success with its eco-friendly plush line. “By partnering with suppliers committed to sustainability, we’ve created plush toys that delight our visitors and align with our environmental values,” Pratt says. “These toys are made from recycled materials, reducing the demand for new resources and minimizing waste. Our eco-friendly plush line has been a hit with visitors, demonstrating that sustainable procurement can be both environmentally responsible and commercially viable.”
The aquarium’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in its cafe, where visitors can enjoy locally sourced and sustainable meals on compostable plateware.
The aquarium shares its sustainability initiatives with guests through interpretive signage and displays. “Our focus on sustainable procurement enhances the visitor experience,” says Pratt, who believes there’s a long-term business case for sustainable procurement. “Investments in eco-friendly products and practices can lead to cost savings through reduced resource consumption, improved efficiency, and enhanced brand reputation.”
Resources for Learning Together
London’s Design Museum focused on cutting the environmental cost of exhibitions after its “Waste Age” exhibition. The museum compiled what its team learned and created an exhibition design guide to help with future decisions.
The Design Museum team considers factors including energy use, programming, the decisions it makes about exhibition content, how long exhibitions run and who it partners with, materials, how it constructs and de-constructs shows to increase reusability, transportation, waste, and how it communicates its sustainability efforts to guests. The guide is inherently a work in progress.
Merlin Entertainments is passionate about reducing its environmental impact and is building sustainability into its company goals. The operator expects suppliers to share those ambitions—and be forthcoming with their sustainability data.
Merlin publishes its carbon emissions report and will release a carbon management plan this summer.
Evolving Expectations
Progressive businesses must prepare for change. New financial regulation in the European Union means companies must have a solid sustainability plan to secure financing. Andreas Veilstrup Andersen, group CEO at Liseberg, thinks the new requirements will “transfer to the manufacturer and supplier community.”
However, attraction operators, suppliers, and manufacturers don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Pooling knowledge and best practices will help.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ sustainability strategy provides examples of sustainable procurement, including Parque das Aves in Brazil, which sources local and organic products for its restaurants and animal feed.
In the United Kingdom, theater-makers have worked with (WAZA) sustainability experts on the “Theatre Green Book,” and the nonprofit Julie’s Bicycle has produced a sustainable procurement guide for arts and culture organizations.
Culturenut.com has created a global marketplace where museums and cultural institutions can recycle their idle assets by buying, selling, and exchanging them.
By aiming for sustainable procurement, the attractions industry can set a clear example and forge a path for others to follow.
