Sustainable procurement
Sustainable procurement is about taking purchasing decisions which make a wider contribution to society – environmentally, socially or economically
Staff involved in the procurement of goods, services and works should routinely consider how we can enhance and protect our shared environment, contribute to the health and well-being of society and build a sustainable economy through our procurement decisions.
The University’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy (developed prior to the adoption of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy in April 2023) outlines six priority issues to consider. The priority issues were selected because they contribute environmentally, socially and economically to the University, our key stakeholders, suppliers and the local community.

Optimise the use of natural resources
Effectively manage waste in the supply chain
Effectively manage the delivery of goods and services
Support the management of our carbon impact
Work with suppliers and departments to raise awareness of sustainability
 Ensure that ethical considerations and a living wage are considered
The Sustainable Procurement Strategy will ultimately be updated to align with the University’s wider strategy; however, the guidance is still relevant in the meantime.
Social Value
In addition to the priorities above, in recent years the focus on delivering ‘social value’ from procurement activity has increased. Including social value in purchasing decisions means accounting for a supplier’s social impact when evaluating the delivery of value for money. Such considerations can also assist in developing a more resilient and diverse supply base.
To build a stronger and more constructive relationship with our local and regional community. Under this commitment, the University recognizes the importance of delivering benefit to local citizens, and working in partnership to increase its cultural, societal and economic impact at both local and regional levels. Whilst specific social value outcomes relating to procurement are not yet developed the higher education sector has produced helpful guidance on themes, outcomes and measures which may be considered on individual procurements.

In order to assist departments in embedding sustainability considerations into decision making the Purchasing Department has prepared summaries, for common categories of goods and services, of the likely impacts of making the purchase and opportunity areas for mitigating negative impacts or taking positive action. Example questions you might ask of suppliers during a procurement process are also available.
Practical Considerations
Anyone purchasing goods and services should consider:
 Asking first if the purchase is really necessary (reduce consumption)
Avoiding products containing unsustainable materials e.g. unsustainable timber
 Reducing packaging
 Giving preference to products that are manufactured with a high recycled content, or which can eventually be recycled or reused
Giving preference to products that reduce energy consumption
Consolidating deliveries to the University, and timing deliveries to reduce congestion
Giving preference to suppliers that can demonstrate how they are reducing their environmental impact and increasing

Giving preference to products that are less harmful to human health and the environment
Whether there are any local suppliers who might be able to deliver best value
 Giving preference to suppliers that can demonstrate ethical trading practices e.g. living wage compliance
 Giving preference to suppliers who can demonstrate delivery of additional social value to local and regional communities.
The University Purchasing Department will:
Carry out a sustainability assessment of the University’s major suppliers at tender stage
Monitor the University’s preferred suppliers on an ongoing basis with regard to their sustainability policies and practices
 Attempt to shape or alter, where appropriate, the sustainability policies and practices of our preferred suppliers
Wherever practical, arrange agreements that offer environmentally preferable products as alternatives
Provide University departments with advice on sustainability issues relating to purchasing

Assistance for departments in considering the environmental, social and economic impacts of its purchases
The University is committed to ensuring that the environmental, social and economic impacts of its purchases are understood and managed.
In order to assist departments in embedding such considerations into decision making the Purchasing Department has prepared summaries, for common categories of goods and services, of the likely impacts of making the purchase and opportunity areas for mitigating negative impacts or taking positive action.
We recommend that when making a purchase the summary that most closely matches the goods or services being purchased is reviewed, and consideration is given to whether any of the opportunity areas identified can be built into the specification, evaluation model or contract terms.
These summaries are not intended to be a definitive list of all the sustainability impacts and opportunity areas associated with making a purchase; but rather to flag key impacts and opportunities which you might decide to pursue or discuss further with suppliers. Equally they may be a trigger for you to develop your own ideas.