The University is committed to procuring goods, services and works responsibly in a way that enhances the regional vitality of our environment, economy and society in line with our Five and Fifty Strategic Plan.
This means that sustainability has been embedded into all of the University's procurement processes, guidance and approach. This includes how we engage with suppliers both locally and globally and is a critical element of how procurement does business.
To support the delivery of this objective the University is utilising a Sustainability Impact Analysis process which will help the procurement team and staff across the University embed sustainability into the procurement process.
More information on sustainable procurement from the finance department
Procurement and sustainability have identified a number of key strategic civic and environmental priorities which aim to have a positive impact upon the procurement process.
Procurement will work with internal clients and encourage all members of staff to consider how and where they have the opportunity to contribute to the following priority impact areas when procuring goods, service and works:
| Priority Impact | Example |
|---|---|
Use of/increase Student Work Placement/Apprenticeships Opportunities | Civic (Social) Example: Can the suppliers you work with take on a student placement or can you encourage apprenticeships? |
Health and Well-being | Civic (Social) Example: Can we ensure that the working conditions and human rights of the staff in the supply chain are being protected. This will include complying with the Modern Slavery Act. |
Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders | Economic Example: Can we utilise any existing procurement frameworks, buy with another department or local stakeholders to get some collective savings. |
Student/Community Sponsorship | Economic Can we identify opportunities for suppliers to support student bursaries, local events and community initiatives? |
Natural resource use | Environment Example: Can we reduce the use of raw materials, such as minerals and timber by demonstrating how the supplier currently deals with this or by specifying products which consider raw material usage in their production and manufacture? |
Improvements in disposal of packaging and equipment waste | Environment Example: Can we utilise take back schemes, reusable packaging or reduced packaging. |
Consolidation of delivery of goods/services and reduction of transaction costs | Environment Example: Can we work with suppliers to encourage bulk deliveries, reduce delivery frequency and move to electronic invoicing. |
Support the university carbon management | Environment Example: Can we buy more energy and efficient equipment and appliances, maybe utilise a whole Life cost approach? |