Procurement and sustainability

The University of Staffordshire 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.

As a large consumer of goods and services University of Staffordshire 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.