Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

First steps in Sustainable Procurement at the University of Hertfordshire

Michelle Dixon, Environmental Advisor

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

The story so far!

• The EAUC Sustainable Purchasing Project• Sustainable Purchasing Policy• Sustainable purchasing gap analysis• Integrating sustainability into the supplier selection

process• Risk based analysis• Implementing ‘quick wins’• Training and communication• Raising the profile - senior management• Overcoming challenges

CSR questionnaire and Sustainable Purchasing Policy at pre-qualification stage

Objectives and targets for sustainable purchasing approved by the Procurement Committee

Environment and Purchasing Team Workshop

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

The EAUC Sustainable Purchasing Project

• Committed the University to a project partnership with Senior Management approval.

• Guidance, research, analysis, training to adopt more sustainable purchasing practices.

• An interacting network of project partners.

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

Sustainable Purchasing Policy

• Signed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor• All new contractors must state that they will comply

The policy covers• Assessment of environmental risks • Complying with environmental legislation.• Educating and working with key suppliers • Favouring more sustainable products - Harmful substances, recycled content, biodegradable, Eco Labels, • Reuse and recycling

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

• Encourage suppliers to achieve ISO14001 or EMAS.• Training and awareness of staff • Whole Life Costing • Addressing barriers to SME’s and local suppliers • Race relations, disability, sex and religion.• Environmental credentials and criteria considered in the award of contracts

Is it too comprehensive?How can we ensure supplier’s comply?Do we need VC sign off?

Sustainable Purchasing Policy

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

Sustainable Purchasing Gap analysis

• Based on the Flexible Framework

• Where are we now?

• Engagement of central Purchasing Team

• Best practice and areas for improvement

• Objectives and targets

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

Integrating sustainability

• CSR questionnaire at pre-qualification stage

• Tailored sustainability questions for high

environmental risk tenders

• Environmental Criteria – the OJEU purchasing rules

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

Risk based analysis

Targeted control and management

L/H = M M/H = H H/H = H

L/M = L M/M = M H/M = H

L/L = L M/L = L H/L = M

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

Some ‘quick wins’

• Switch to recycled paper

• Green energy contract

• Greening of UH catering

• e-procurement

• Procurement of building materials for new buildings

• Ethical vending

• Fairtrade range expands

• Green stationary contract

• Energy efficient computers

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

• Environment and Purchasing websites

• Staff induction

• Guidance for devolved purchasers and contract managers

• Key supplier partnership training session

• Suppliers exhibition

• Quarterly and annual OVC reports

• UH is Your Planet!

Training and communication

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

Raising the profile - senior management

• Mobilising senior management - Are we leading or following?

• Sustainable Procurement is a crucial part of the sustainability agenda.

• Key strategic sustainability tool

Local community

Save money

Enhance reputation

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures

Challenges

• Top down as well as bottom up

• Embedding sustainable purchasing - still marginalised?

• Effective communication

• Staff resources and priorities

• Working within confines of current contracts

• Measuring progress