High profile government reports including the Stern Review on the economics of climate change and the UK government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan demonstrate the importance of responsible procurement. The procurement professional's role includes managing costs effectively, ensuring the security of supply for their organizations, and fostering innovation among the supplier base. Carbon footprints affect these activities. The cost of energy and certain commodities may be leveling off, but a range of environmental levies on carbon dioxide generation will impact companies financially. The procurement professional must keep up to date with the trends and issues in these areas that will affect them.