University of Manchester Students’ Union
PROCUREMENT POLICY – Energy Efficiency Specification
The University of Manchester Students’ Union procures through the following means:
1. Through NUS Services Ltd
2. Through the University of Manchester Approved Suppliers / contractors
3. Following a tender process and environmental impact considerations
This policy should be read in conjunction with the Sound Ethical Choice Policy.
This policy sets out the specific requirements on the minimum energy efficiency
specification for products. This policy list is not exhaustive and purchases should be
made by choosing products with the least negative impact on people and the
environment.
Procurement
1. Before anything is purchased, the service manager or budget holder is
responsible for making an impact assessment. The Procurement Policy must
also be referred to and the impact assessment must include the following:
1.1 Is the item, service or good required to further the aims of the organisation
or service?
1.2 Can this item, good or service be sourced from another part of the
organisation?
1.3 Can this item, good or service be sourced from within the University or reuse centres?
1.4 In general, when procuring anything, the options with the least
environmental impact should be considered favourably.
1.5 If a new item, good or service is required, the following must be followed:
1.5.1 the ethical record of the source of the item good or services must
be considered
1.5.2 the full life –cycle cost of the item, good or service must be
calculated and information used in selecting the most appropriate
option
1.5.3 where it relates to a furniture item, this must be made from
sustainable material and timber should be from a certified
sustainable source.
2. Where a service is being provided in relation to re-developments or capital
investment, the full energy efficiency of the programme of works or
development must be assessed as a whole before embarking on any work.
Energy Efficiency
3. The EU directive 92/75/EC established an energy consumption labelling
scheme. The result of this and several other directives is that most white
goods, light bulb packaging and cars must have an EU Energy Label clearly
displayed when offered for sale or rent. The energy efficiency of an appliance
is rated in terms of a set of energy efficiency classes from A to G on the
label, A being the most energy efficient, G the least efficient. The labels also
give other useful information to a customer to enable comparison between
various models. The information should also be given in catalogues and
included by internet retailers on their websites. A+ and A++ grades are also
used for refrigeration products.
3.1 Each product has an energy label, separated into at least four categories:
 The appliance's details: according to each appliance, specific details, of the
model and its materials
 Energy class: a colour code associated to a letter (from A to G) that gives an
idea of the appliance's electrical consumption
 Consumption, efficiency, capacity, etc.: this section gives information
according to appliance type
 Noise: the noise emitted by the appliance is described in decibels
3.2 Where the University of Manchester Students’ Union is responsible (as
opposed to the institution) for procurement of electrical
appliances/equipment/vehicles, purchases should be made with
consideration of the item’s energy efficiency. Ideally the most energy efficient
option should be chosen, but this must be balanced against price. The
following document provides guidelines to determining a product’s energy
efficiency.
3.2.1
Refrigeration equipment
When purchasing appliances for refrigeration (specifically fridges and freezers), only
those with an energy efficiency class of ‘A’ or above (A+ or A++) should be
considered.
3.2.2 Dishwashers and kitchen equipment
In this category, appliances should have a minimum energy efficiency class of ‘B’ or
above.
3.2.3 Small appliances – kettles, tea urns etc
In this category, products may not have a specific energy efficiency class.
Comparisons and recommendations may be found on the Which website
(www.which.co.uk)i and this method may be used to determine the most efficient
option to buy. If a decision cannot be made based on information from this site,
further research should be made and evidence provided to support the final
procurement decision.
3.2.4 Vehicles
When purchasing a new vehicle for the union (car or minibus) the following website
can be used for advice on selecting the most efficient model for the available budget:
(http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk)
If necessary, further research may be carried out and evidence must be provided to
support any procurement decision.
4. In conclusion, for any procurement of electrical
appliances/equipment/vehicles by the University of Manchester Students’
Union, the most energy efficient model within the available budget should
always be purchased and the decision supported by evidence.
i
Log on details for which.co.uk can be obtained through the Union Director or Operations Director