The approach applies equally to purchasing and sales departments, who feel that the time has come to embark on a regenerative approach to business relationships.
I had the opportunity to explain the concept of regenerative procurement in a previous article. The approach is part of the emerging concept of regenerative economics, which has its origins in various disciplines, including ecology, environmental sciences and the circular economy. The approach is based on the regeneration of economic and ecological systems, rather than simply their conservation or restoration.
The idea of a regenerative economy arose from a growing awareness of the limits of the traditional economic model, characterized by intensive exploitation of natural resources and waste generation. The consequences of this model have become evident in environmental degradation, climate change and the depletion of natural resources.
The concept of the regenerative economy was popularized by pioneers such as Paul Hawken, Janine Benyus and Amory Lovins. Paul Hawken, in his book « The Ecology of Commerce », stressed the need to rethink economic models so that they are in harmony with natural systems. He argues for an economy that not only minimizes negative impacts on the environment, but also regenerates ecosystems.
Janine Benyus, meanwhile, developed the concept of « biomimicry », which draws on natural patterns and processes to solve human problems. Biomimicry plays a key role in the regenerative economy, encouraging the adoption of practices inspired by nature, such as soil regeneration, waste management and the use of renewable energies.
Amory Lovins, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, has helped promote the idea of a regenerative economy by focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energies. He demonstrated that the transition to clean, sustainable energy sources was not only environmentally beneficial, but also economically profitable.
The concept of the regenerative economy is based on several fundamental principles. Firstly, it recognizes that nature is our most important asset, and that it is essential to preserve and regenerate ecosystems. It also emphasizes the use of renewable resources, the reduction of waste and the promotion of the circular economy. By promoting the design of resilient economic systems, the regenerative economy seeks to create a virtuous loop where waste becomes resources and economic activities regenerate ecosystems.
In short, the regenerative economy is an emerging concept that proposes a resilient approach to the economy. Drawing on the principles of biology and ecology, it aims to create economic systems that regenerate ecosystems rather than depleting them.
The concept of Regenerative Procurement comes from the Latin regeneratio, “return to life”. It’s a holistic approach aimed at restoring the business environment, creating a wider ecosystem through committed and sincere partnership approaches. Published on June 2023
