Stéphanie H. Leclerc, McGill’s Program Manager of Sustainable Procurement, has been nationally recognized for her work advancing sustainability practices. She received the Emerging Leader Award on June 10 from the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO).
Leclerc has helped position McGill as an international leader in the field of sustainable procurement, which involves making purchasing decisions that minimize negative environmental and social impacts and promote positive outcomes.
“Stéphanie exemplifies what it means to be an emerging leader,” said Nathalie Laporte, Executive Director of CAUBO. “Her unwavering commitment to sustainable procurement, paired with her collaborative spirit and national impact, reflects the very best of Canada’s university professionals.”
Ten years ahead of the competition
Sustainable procurement at McGill is an immense undertaking: the University has over 12,000 suppliers and relies on complex global supply chains.
On a typical day, Leclerc may be researching the social and environmental impacts of product lifecycles, devising contract sustainability clauses, reporting on efforts to prevent forced labour in supply chains, conferring with subject matter experts or collaborating with other education institutions in Quebec and across Canada.
“The acquisition of goods and services, big and small, shapes the world we live in, and the choices we make at McGill can absolutely make a difference” said Leclerc, who holds a PhD in environmental policy. “It is great that people at McGill recognize and value this work”
“McGill is often involved in group purchases with other institutions, and it sometimes feels like we are 10 years ahead in terms of experience,” said Leclerc. “We have to build capacity and coach other organizations if we want to keep making progress and have a real influence on the market.” Because universities share many of the same suppliers, “whatever I do to bring positive change in our supply chain helps benefit other institutions across Canada, and vice versa”
Her drive has helped McGill earn top marks in global sustainability rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings and the Sustainable Campus Index rankings and AASHE STARS ratings.
That collaborative approach was just one reason François Pouliot, Senior Director of Procurement Services, nominated Leclerc for the award.
“Stéphanie has assumed a leadership role that goes well beyond the profile of her position,” said Pouliot. “Her accomplishments position McGill University as a true leader in sustainable procurement among all Canadian universities.”
Leclerc takes great pride in McGill’s trailblazing reputation and hopes it inspires further action among McGillians.
“Everybody spending McGill funds can help reduce social and environmental risks and generate more positive impacts by buying strategically,” she said. “Ultimately, public spending shapes our economy and has a direct impact on ecosystems, the climate, and the well being of current and future generations.”