Measuring Sustainability

Abstract

In this chapter, we examine sustainable global outsourcing through the lens of GITO providers. The chapter begins with an examination of a set of 19 leading GITO providers to understand their sustainability maturity. We then describe two case studies, of outsourcing providers Accenture and a large Indian GITO provider, which seek to understand how these two providers apply sustainability concepts in their business operations. The chapter continues with presentation of the Sustainable Global Outsourcing model, a new model that applies directly to the outsourcing relationship between buyer and provider and describes how the relationship can be improved while also creating benefits for society and the environment. The model and this chapter provide guidance to outsourcing buyers and providers on how to measure and improve their sustainability in the outsourcing relationship.

Clearly one of the topics that is looming large is understanding the kind of power consumption footprints of different choices. M. Ellison, IT Strategy Leader, Co-operative Financial Services

Efforts to find shared value in operating practices and in the social dimensions of competitive context have the potential not only to foster economic and social development but to change the way companies and society think about each other. Michael Porter and Mark Kramer, Harvard University

We recognize that there are physical limits to the resources of the Earth and that any business activity that exceeds such limits is by definition unsustainable and will need to be reconstituted. Furthermore, there are ethical and social components to sustainable development for which business should be accountable. These extend far beyond legislative compliance. Co-operative Sustainable Procurement and Supplier Policy, applied to all outsourcing contracts