Procurement and sustainability

Staffordshire University recognises the need to play a key role in the promotion of sustainable development.  The Procurement Team have created a sustainability policy to support the University's policies around this subject. Our team are signed up to DEFRA 'Flexible Framework' tool which addresses a number of criteria, working through various levels of development , include Corporate Social Responsibility and People and the Engagement of Suppliers. The University also use a tool ‘Netpositive Futures’ which assists in the development of the supply chain regarding sustainability, enabling suppliers to identify and measure their achievements in addressing sustainability.

Sustainable Procurement is a process whereby organisations meet their needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money on a whole life basis in terms of generating benefits not only to the organisation, but also to society and the economy, whilst minimising damage to the environment.

Sustainable Procurement Task Force Definition (2006; UK Government)

As a large consumer of goods and services Staffordshire University recognises it has a key role to play in the promotion of sustainable development through its purchasing decisions.  In line with the Environment and Sustainability Policy, Procurement will seek to:

• Minimise the use of non-renewable and limited natural resources in our procurement choices and throughout our supply chain
• Effectively reduce and manage waste in the supply chain
• Effectively manage the delivery of goods and services to the University
• Support the management of our carbon impact
• Work with our suppliers and with University colleagues to raise awareness of sustainability and building a more sustainable economy
• Ensure that ethical considerations such as Fairtrade, Modern Slavery and a living wage are considered in our procurement practices.

In conjunction with the North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium and other Member Institutions, the University will endeavour to:-

• Consider goods and services which can be manufactured, used and disposed of in an environmentally aware way;
• give preference, where items are of a similar standard and cost, to those that are manufactured with a high recycled content;
• Wherever possible, specify items that can be recycled or reused;
• Consider the energy consumed in manufacture and then in operating equipment when in use;
• Consider whole life costs when assessing suppliers’ proposals;
• Work with suppliers whose environmental policy reflects ISO14001 or equivalent standards and is documented, implemented and maintained.

The benefits of sustainable procurement are that it:

• Considers supply chains and investments, working towards long-term viability;
• Minimises damage to the environment and health while maximising social benefits in both production and consumption;
• Ensures long-term value for money by adopting whole-life cost analysis, leading to the provision of more durable goods and services;
• Encourages consideration of business practice relating to energy, waste, transport, biodiversity, water and pollution;
• Demonstrates a commitment to continual environmental improvement and corporate social responsibility;
• Reduces CO₂ and other emissions and the associated impact on the environment and human health;
• Reduces resources absorbed in energy, packaging, transport, fuel, water and waste;
• Enhances reputation and status in the local and wider community;
• Embeds a culture of re-use, repair, re-distribution and recycling;
• Ensures compliance with legislation and duty of care requirements.