SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT STRATEGY
INTRODUCTION
One of the University’s Strategic Aims is to be Financially and Environmentally Sustainable. As part of that
we have now developed the following sustainable procurement policy.
Sustainable procurement is the process of acquiring goods and services that:
 Meet users’ needs
 Deliver long term value for money
 Maximise social and economic benefits
 Minimise damage to the environment and health
(Forum for the Future - Buying a Better World, 2007)
UNIVERSITY DRIVERS FOR SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT
Sustainable procurement presents the University with the opportunity to improve the sustainability of its
own supply chain; to set an example; and to help influence the market-place to encourage the development
of new, more sustainable goods and services.
Sustainable procurement contributes to:
 The strategic sustainable development objectives of the University.
 Compliance with legislation, directives and regulations.
 Risk management and protection of the University’s reputation.
 Reduced consumption and waste.
 Value for money.
 Increased efficiency.
 Reduction in the University’s carbon footprint.
STRATEGY
The University’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy is to implement the Sustainable Procurement Task
Force Flexible Framework. This is a key behavioural and operational change programme, across 5 key
areas and levels, and is the basis of our Action Plan in Appendix 1.
SCOPE
Applicable to all works, goods and services purchased for the University.
PURPOSE
To embed sustainable procurement within the University’s procurement procedures, practices, and policies.
MONITORING AND REPORTING
Initial monitoring will consist of progress against the Action Plan derived from the Sustainable Procurement
Task Force Flexible Framework. However one of the key areas within the framework is measurement and
results, and we will be completing a detailed appraisal of the sustainability impacts of the procurement
activity and implementing measures to manage the identified high risk impact areas.
The Action Plan will be updated and published on the Procurement Services internal and external websites.
REVIEW
The Strategy and Policy will be reviewed annually by the Procurement Manager.
Sustainable Procurement Strategy & Policy - Version 2.0
Author: Steven Hogg, Procurement Officer
Approved: Tony Stevenson, Pro-Vice Chancellor – Planning and Resources
July 2011
Page 1
SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT POLICY
The University requires staff to consider the impact their purchasing activities can have on sustainability,
and to minimise this impact by:
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Assessing the need for goods and services and reducing consumption instead of purchasing.
Considering in-house service capacity, or sharing, repairing, or upgrading existing products to
reduce the requirement to purchase additional services or products.
Improving processes and efficiencies.
Reducing waste. If unavoidable, disposing of products in an environmentally safe manner.
Maximising use of contracted suppliers that are committed to sustainability improvement.
Purchasing products that are ethically produced, i.e. support our Fairtrade status, and/or created
from sustainable, renewable, or recycled resources and those requiring minimal packaging, where a
viable option is available. If unavoidable, packaging should be made from recycled or recyclable
materials, and removed from site by the supplier.
Consider the full cost of operating equipment (maintenance, energy, water, consumables etc) as
well as the cost to purchase.
Aggregating orders to reduce packaging and frequency of deliveries to site.
The University’s Procurement Services section will:
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Facilitate compliance with the UK Public Contracts Regulations, the University’s Financial
Regulations, external funding body’s requirements, and any relevant legislation, directives and
regulations.
Approach sustainable purchasing as a process of continuous improvement.
Gather information regarding supplier’s sustainability credentials by including questionnaires and
requesting copies of relevant policies in all their tenders.
Use whole-life costing methodology in their tenders to support the University’s value for money
strategy.
Incorporate sustainability contract performance clauses and sustainability specifications in their
tenders.
Include a facility for suppliers to submit environmentally friendly alternatives to the specified goods
or services.
Use sustainability criteria in the award of their tenders.
Work with the University’s contracted suppliers to increase availability of environmentally friendly
alternatives for goods or services, and measure and reduce the indirect environmental impact from
the University’s purchasing activities during the contract/framework agreement lifetime.
Provide training, guidance and tools to University staff so they can comply with and support the
Sustainable Procurement Policy.
Participate in the University Environment and Sustainability Committee.
Work in partnership with others such as the HE sector Sustainable Procurement Centre for
Excellence, the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges and other HE institutions to
share best practice and improve sustainable procurement.
Sustainable Procurement Strategy & Policy - Version 2.0
Author: Steven Hogg, Procurement Officer
Approved: Tony Stevenson, Pro-Vice Chancellor – Planning and Resources
July 2011
Page 2