Established in Vancouver, BC in 2005, the Sustainability Purchasing Network (SPN) supports organizations in their efforts to develop and improve their sustainability purchasing practices. The Network is a source of research, information, networking, training, and business-to-business projects on sustainability purchasing.

Participation in SPN

Participation in the Network is open to individuals and organizations with an interest in sustainability purchasing, whether they are just starting out or have advanced practices. Suppliers are welcome to join in their role as purchasers. Current participation represents a range of purchasing organizations including businesses, co-operatives, business associations, not-for-profits, governments (all levels), labour organizations, public sector, and academic institutions.

Through participation in the Network, individuals and organizations will:

• Discover ways to save costs, advance innovation, and help create new business opportunities in the marketplace.
• Learn how to overcome barriers to effective sustainable purchasing.
• Develop “know-how” to build strong supplier relationships that improve reliability and performance.
• Learn how to manage environmental, social, and ethical risks along supply chains.
• Develop expertise and brand in an emerging purchasing specialty area.
• Become a part of a community of like-minded professionals and practitioners.
• Access leading edge best practices, information, and resources.
• Work with others to foster the growth of a sustainable economy.

SPN Advisory Committee

The Network is advised by a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee comprised of representatives from the following organizations:

• BC Hydro
• Bell Canada
• Building Opportunities for Business
• Fraser Basin Council
• Hemlock Printers Ltd.
• Metro Vancouver
• Mills Basics
• Public Works and Government Services Canada
• The Province of British Columbia
• The University of British Columbia
• Vancity Credit Union
• Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)

Mark Jeffrey, Senior Sustainability Manager, Vancity, currently serves as the Advisory Committee Chair. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

The SPN Team

Amy Robinson, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Tim Reeve, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Diana Dilworth, Fraser Basin Council, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  

Coro Strandberg, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

The Fraser Basin Council

SPN is a program of the Fraser Basin Council. A not-for-profit, non-government organization, the Fraser Basin Council was formed in 1997 to implement the Charter for Sustainability, a unique, ground breaking good-faith agreement jointly signed by individuals, organizations, federal, provincial, local, and Aboriginal governments. The Council has a vision of the Basin as a place where social well-being is supported by a vibrant economy and sustained by a healthy environment, a true reflection of sustainability. For more information please visit our website at www.fraserbasin.bc.ca

SPN Sponsorship

SPN is providing sponsor opportunities for 2007 to support various programs. If you would like to learn more about how to provide financial support to the Network contact us at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .