ESB Embeds Sustainability into Category Management Through Ongoing Collaboration

ESB is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2040 and has launched a project to integrate Sustainable Procurement into its operations. To support this integration, ESB identified the need for additional training and guidance. Specifically, they required a review and update of their category planning template to ensure sustainability is embedded and aligned with ISO 20400, complemented by category management training.​

Across all of their business units, procurement teams manage significant spend annually through ESB’s Category Management approach. Ensuring sustainability is effectively embedded in this process was a key focus of the project.

• Category management training virtual workshop: We facilitated bespoke virtual workshop on Teams, focusing on sustainable procurement principles and category management. The training equipped participants with practical tools and knowledge to integrate sustainability into procurement processes..​
• Category management plan review & refresh: We provided a comprehensive review of the existing category planning template, aligned with ISO 20400, including best practice analysis and a stakeholder engagement workshop.​
• Flexible support: Originally planned as one-to-one virtual surgeries, we adapted the approach to a 2-hour virtual workshop, focusing on the updated template and worked examples. This adjustment reflected our ability to collaborate and respond to ESB’s evolving needs, ensuring maximum impact.

Building on the success of our initial collaboration, this continued partnership ​
between ESB and Action Sustainability has helped ESB make significant strides towards integrating sustainability into procurement practices and their overarching Net Zero goals through:​

• Enhanced team capabilities: The bespoke training workshop refreshed ESB’s understanding of sustainable procurement, equipping them with tools to integrate sustainability into their category management process.​
• Sustainability-first approach: Sustainability is now embedded at every stage of the category management process, ensuring alignment with best practices, including ISO 20400, and providing a framework for category managers to prioritise sustainability in all activities.​
• Smarter decision-making & risk management: New analytical tools and heatmapping techniques allow category managers to assess macro factors, market dynamics, and potential risks. These insights drive smarter, proactive decision-making, ensuring sustainability considerations are fully integrated.​
• Streamlined processes & stronger collaboration: Improved process efficiency enables category managers to make informed, strategic decisions. Early supplier engagement, clarified accountabilities, and improved communication have also fostered a unified approach to sustainable procurement across teams.​

By embedding sustainability into their category management process and enhancing team collaboration, ESB continues to make sustained progress towards integrating sustainable procurement into operations and achieving their Net Zero goals.​