Sustainable – procurement purchasing policy
Policy created (2010)
Policy reviewed (2022)
At Oum El-Bouaghi University, we recognize that sustainable procurement practices play a crucial role in our commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Our sustainable procurement policy aims to ensure that our procurement processes align with our sustainability goals. By considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our purchasing decisions, we aim to make sustainable choices that contribute to a more sustainable future. The key elements of our policy include:
- Sustainable Supplier Selection:
a. We will prioritize the selection of suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and ethical business practices.
b. Priority will be given to suppliers who have sustainable certifications, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management or Fair Trade certifications.
c. We will encourage local suppliers and support the local economy, whenever possible, while ensuring fair and transparent procurement practices.
- Environmentally Friendly Products and Services:
a. We will opt for products and services that have minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, including raw material extraction, production, use, and disposal.
b. We will consider the environmental performance, energy efficiency, and recyclability of products during the procurement process.
c. We will strive to minimize packaging waste and encourage suppliers to use environmentally friendly packaging materials.
- Ethical and Social Considerations:
a. We will ensure that our procurement practices align with principles of social responsibility, including respect for human rights, fair labor practices, and ethical sourcing.
b. We will collaborate with suppliers who demonstrate responsible labor practices, including safe working conditions, fair wages, and the absence of child or forced labor.
c. We will actively promote diversity and inclusivity by engaging with suppliers from diverse backgrounds, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and businesses owned by underrepresented groups.
- Lifecycle Assessment and Extended Producer Responsibility:
a. We will consider the environmental impact of products and services over their entire lifecycle, including resource extraction, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life disposal.
b. We will encourage suppliers to take responsibility for their products by implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, promoting recycling, and reducing waste.
- Continuous Improvement and Reporting:
a. We will regularly review and update our sustainable procurement/purchasing policy to align with emerging best practices and industry standards.
b. We will establish performance indicators and targets to track our progress in implementing sustainable procurement practices.
c. We will report on our sustainable procurement achievements and challenges in our annual sustainability reports, promoting transparency and accountability.
By adhering to this sustainable procurement/purchasing policy, Oum El-Bouaghi University is committed to leveraging its purchasing power to effect positive environmental and social changes. We will work collaboratively with our suppliers, stakeholders, and the wider community to advance sustainable procurement practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.