Smart Forecasting for a Greener Future

Sustainable procurement faces persistent challenges from inaccurate demand forecasts, leading to waste, high emissions, and inefficiencies. This chapter explores how Big Data enabled forecasting, powered by AI and machine learning, enhances demand prediction accuracy to support green procurement. By leveraging vast, real-time data from multiple sources, organizations can optimize resource use, minimize waste, and align operations with sustainability goals. The proposed framework integrates key phases: data gathering, model training, procurement integration, and continuous feedback. Case studies across manufacturing and retail illustrate significant reductions in cost and emissions. The chapter also highlights challenges data quality, privacy, and technical capacity along with strategies for mitigation through data governance and collaboration. Overall, Big Data forecasting emerges as a strategic enabler for achieving smarter and more sustainable procurement systems.