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Sustainability

Purchasing Guidelines

Procurement & Insurance Services

Within the scope of the Procurement team, items purchased through the tendering process by the University include considerations for sustainable purchasing practices, including supply chain due diligence on social environmental and governance issues.

When making smaller purchases at a departmental level, there is less influence and guidance available on how to consider the benefits of always looking for the most eco-friendly and ethical suppliers.

What is "Sustainable Procurement"?

The principles of sustainable procurement or responsible sourcing, can be applied on purchases of all sizes.

When the traditional approach of getting value for money considers the upfront cost of an item, compared to similar products on the market. The more circular, responsible approach supports the sustainability goals of the University and optimises the environmental, social, and economic impacts over the life cycle of the product or service.

Purchasing Guidelines

When making a purchase, the purchase can be made more sustainable by considering the type of business we are purchasing from, the packaging options available, the delivery options, how the product can be made to last longer, whether the product can be easily recycled at end of life, and also the value for money.

  • A diverse supply chain includes local businesses, SMEs (Small and medium enterprises) and larger corporations.
    • Buying from local businesses supports the local economy more. This is one of the University's strategic pillars.
    • SMEs often do not have the economies of scale that larger corporations can offer, but the service may be more bespoke and suitable to your needs.
  • Consolidating deliveries is something that many larger businesses offer. This is probably more easily achieved using stores, and ordering ahead of time.
    • This is a way to reduce emissions from transport
    • This reduces the amount of vehicles on campus
    • This can reduce transit packaging through efficient packing of items by the supplier.
  • Packaging is often required to ensure safe delivery of a product, but could ordering a larger pack size reduce the packaging to product ratio?
    • Ordering larger pack sizes often reduces the price and the packaging
    • Ask for lower packaging options
    • Ensure all packaging is recycled, or even reused
  • Increase the product life, implement the circular economy
    • The SEM faculty use LabCup for their COSHH compliance but this also allows other research groups to check if the chemical they may need very little of is also on site.
    • Don't over specialise, ordering non-branded stationery will mean it can be in use for longer!
  • End of Life considerations
    • Mixed material objects can't be recycled - they need to be split out first!
    • Recyclable items that are contaminated with food or chemicals aren't recyclable - are alternatives available?
    • Batteries - rechargeable batteries over single use, and ensure all batteries are disposed of safely.
    • Is there a alternative to the single use item, that may cost more initially but last much longer?