What are key components of a sustainability-oriented procurement policy?

• A. Social, environmental, and economic criteria; supplier due diligence; life-cycle cost; ethical sourcing; waste reduction; supplier monitoring.
• B. Only price-based criteria and supplier warranty terms.
• C. Marketing preferences and branding guidelines.
• D. Internal HR policies and payroll schedules.

Answer: (C)

Sustainability in procurement blends social, environmental, and economic considerations into every purchasing decision and supplier relationship. The key components cover that mix comprehensively: including social, environmental, and economic criteria ensures decisions account for people, planet, and cost; supplier due diligence makes sure partners meet standards before and during engagement; life-cycle cost looks at total ownership expenses rather than just the upfront price; ethical sourcing aligns purchases with human rights, anti-corruption, and fair practices; waste reduction pushes for lower waste, reuse, and recyclability; and supplier monitoring keeps performance in check over time and supports continuous improvement. The other options miss the breadth needed for a sustainability-focused policy: pricing alone ignores social and environmental impacts, marketing/branding guidelines aren’t about procurement decisions, and internal HR policies don’t address external supplier practices.