ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance
Sustainable Procurement Policy
AASTMT Sustainable Procurement Policy
Background
This policy sets out AASTMT’s approach to sustainable and ethical procurement. It establishes the sustainability criteria that govern the purchase of goods and services across the institution and defines the responsibilities of AASTMT procurement staff. The policy follows a waste-reduction hierarchy that prioritises reduction first, then reuse, and finally recycling. In practice, this means avoiding unnecessary purchases, seeking surplus or multi-purpose goods before other options, and choosing recyclable or compostable alternatives where procurement cannot be avoided.
Mission and values
AASTMT recognises that procurement decisions have a significant impact on the environment. This policy reflects the institution’s commitment to reducing that impact as far as possible. It aligns with the broader principles of AASTMT’s environmental sustainability policies, including its Climate Action commitments, and covers the full scope of institutional purchasing, from goods and materials to services.
AASTMT actively promotes and advocates for its suppliers and subcontractors to effectively address and mitigate the environmental and social consequences arising from their business activities. Suppliers and subcontractors are advised to modify their business practices as necessary in order to comply with AASTMT policy and practices. In order to fulfil our obligations, we will:
- Examine the necessity of procurement and the imperative to minimize consumption while simultaneously addressing user requirements.
- Consider the full life cycle costs and environmental impacts of goods and services when making purchasing decisions.
- Embed sustainability requirements into all relevant procurement contracts and tenders, tailored to the specific good or service being procured.
- Assess the sustainability and environmental performance of suppliers and contractors, with the objective of promoting their adherence to environmentally conscious practices in their operational activities.
- Procure goods and services that meet ethical standards, are fairly traded, and avoid labour exploitation, and give preference to suppliers that promote equality and diversity.
- Enhance the knowledge and skills of personnel engaged in procurement activities, with the aim of promoting the adoption of the Sustainable Procurement Policy.
Policy Statement
AASTMT recognises that its purchasing decisions carry consequences for the economy, society, and the environment. The institution treats each procurement decision as an opportunity to act ethically and sustainably. This policy integrates environmental and socioeconomic considerations into every stage of the procurement process, in line with the commitments set out in AASTMT’s broader sustainability policy.
To assist us in fulfilling our obligations, the AASTMT seeks to
- Evaluate the requirement for purchases and curtail consumption while simultaneously attending to user needs.
- Consider the effects and whole-life costs of goods and services when making decisions about what to buy.
- Assess suppliers' and contractors' environmental performance and sustainability and motivate them to operate in an environmentally conscious approach.
- Invest in products that are ethically and fairly traded, refrain from exploiting employees, and encourage purchasing of goods and services that promote diversity and equality.
- Raise staff members' knowledge and give them training so they will embrace the Sustainable Procurement Policy.
Objectives
- To indicate the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly products whenever applicable.
- To incorporate sustainable environmental criteria in the process of awarding contracts, when deemed suitable.
- To plan and manage procurement activities in a structured and strategic manner.
- To maximize value for money and reduce operational and financial risk.
- To adhere and promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and sustainability related to procurement processes.
Supplier evaluation
The suppliers’ sustainable environmental credentials are incorporated, to the extent feasible, into the suppliers' evaluation procedure.
- Advocate for the adoption of sustainable Fair Trade purchasing principles in suitable and feasible contexts.
- Collaborate with essential suppliers to facilitate transformative initiatives aimed at disseminating sustainability enhancements across the entirety of the supply chain.
- Avoid products containing substances with known harmful or hazardous properties.
- Give preference to cost-effective products that contain recycled content.
- Reduce packaging waste by working with suppliers to minimise packaging and establish take-back programmes where feasible.
- Enhance the dissemination of information regarding the University's sustainability policies, objectives, and aspirations within the supply market to foster greater awareness.
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Policy title: |
Sustainable Procurement |
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Date created: |
May 2020 |
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Approving body: |
SDG Workforce Committee |
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Version: |
Version 4 |
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Last review date: |
2025 |
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Next review date: |
2026 |
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Policy owner: |
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Lead contact: |
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Approval Signature
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Dean of Scientific Research |
