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 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? 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