Unlocking Sustainable Outcomes Through Procurement 

Webinar Description:  

Procurement is one of the most powerful tools government can use to activate sustainability outcomes across carbon reduction, circularity, nature, social value and supply chain capability. This Impact Theme webinar brings the ConnellGriffin and Infrastructure Sustainability Council Sustainable Procurement Thought Leadership paper to life through practical examples that show what good looks like and why it matters

The session will explore how sustainability has been successfully embedded into procurement decisions by drawing on real insights from across the project lifecycle. By placing sustainability in business cases, delivery strategies and early market conversations, we will show how strong expectations can guide program direction long before tenders are released.​ 

​From there, the session moves into the procurement leadership view, with Richard Martin from ConnellGriffin sharing lessons from major transactions across Australia. Richard will discuss outcome-based tendering, the role of sustainability weighted criteria and the importance of linking policy intent to practical commercial structures that encourage innovation and better performance.​ 

​The supplier experience is then brought to the forefront through David Bell from InfraBuild. David will explain how procurement signals drive industry investment in low carbon steel, transparency tools such as environmental product declarations, circularity metrics and collaborative approaches that support continuous improvement. His examples will highlight how clear and consistent requirements from clients give suppliers the confidence to innovate.​ 

​The webinar will reinforce key principles from the Sustainable Procurement Thought Leadership piece including; ​ 

• the importance of early planning and market signalling​ 

• the need for commercial frameworks that encourage creativity​ 

• the value of supporting suppliers especially small and medium enterprises through clarity and collaboration.​ 

​The session concludes with a live panel discussion and audience question and answer moderated by Seth Scott from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council. This open discussion will explore market readiness, consistency across agencies and practical steps the ecosystem can take to strengthen sustainable procurement practices.​ 

Wednesday 6 May 2026

12:30pm – 1:20pm AEST