Advancing sustainable procurement through supplier evaluation at Conestoga

Michael Quatermain and Marlon Nangle, School of Business

This project explored how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria could be applied to supplier evaluation to support more sustainable procurement practices at the college. A campus-wide questionnaire was distributed to Conestoga’s supplier base to establish a sustainability baseline, identify gaps and strengths, and strengthen the college’s alignment with responsible procurement goals. 

The project, conducted in collaboration with Conestoga’s Procurement and Contract Services team, identified leading and lagging suppliers in terms of ESG performance. The data informed a summary report released in May 2025, and plans include integrating ESG scores into procurement decisions, developing policy and training resources, and supporting applications for external sustainability designations. This work also contributes to broader sector discussions, particularly through the Ontario College Procurement Managers Association. 

By mapping supplier practices and identifying areas for improvement, the research supports both Conestoga’s sustainability action plan and its academic focus on responsible resource management. It lays the groundwork for more consistent ESG evaluation in procurement events and opens the door to deeper supplier engagement and education.