From Plan to Practice: Operationalizing Sustainable Procurement at Western University

This webinar explores how Western University has translated a comprehensive sustainable procurement strategy into day-to-day practice, just one result of which was being awarded the 2025 SPLC Leadership Award for Overall Program!

Participants will learn how ESG priorities are embedded into procurement frameworks, governance, and supplier engagement, supported by staff enablement, risk management, and measurable outcomes. The session will highlight key initiatives, lessons learned, and what’s ahead as Western continues to strengthen supplier compliance, human rights monitoring, and environmental impact reporting.

Presenters:

Kristen McGill, Director, Procurement Services, Western University

Kristen provides strategic leadership for procurement operations, advancing transparent, compliant, and value-driven purchasing across the institution. She focuses on modernizing processes, strengthening partnerships with campus and sector stakeholders, and enabling procurement to be a catalyst for service excellence, innovation, and sustainability.
 

Colleen Nunez, Procurement and Contract Specialist, Western University

Colleen supports competitive procurements, sourcing strategies, and contract development in the Facilities Management and Hospitality portfolios, guiding clients through policy requirements while helping them achieve timely, practical, and sustainable outcomes. She brings strong expertise in sourcing strategy, negotiations, and supplier relationship management.
 
Julie Nicely, eProcurement Manager, Western University

Julie leads the institution’s eProcurement platforms and related programs. She supports a sustainable online marketplace, training and change management initiatives, and associated supplier collaborations. Julie also supports initiatives related to social and Indigenous procurement programs.
 
Wei Wang, Sustainability and Compliance Coordinator, Western University

Wei advances sustainable procurement and compliant practices across the organization and with suppliers. She supports sourcing evaluations, reporting and risk management, and supplier sustainability collaborations, helping integrate environmental, social, and governance priorities into sourcing events as well as everyday purchasing decisions.

Send an e-mail to webinars@sustainablepurchasing.org with any questions.