Environment Team Building Sustainable Futures

1
First steps in Sustainable Procurement at the
University of Hertfordshire Michelle Dixon,
Environmental Advisor
Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
Sustainable Purchasing Policy

• Encourage suppliers to achieve ISO14001 or EMAS.
• Training and awareness of staff
• Whole Life Costing
• Addressing barriers to SMEs 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 suppliers comply?
• Do we need VC sign off?

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures
6
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
7
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
8
Risk based analysis
Targeted control and management
Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures
9
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
10
Training and communication

• 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!

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures
11
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
12
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

Environment TeamBuilding Sustainable Futures