The University is committed to responsible procurement and investment. Through our Procurement Strategy the University acknowledges its purchasing decisions have major socio-economic and environmental implications, both locally and globally. Our strategy sets out the procurement guidelines of buying goods, services and works.
See the Sustainable Procurement Infographic for an overview of the how the University approaches Sustainable Procurement and Ethical Investment.
Procurement Carbon emissions SMART targets
Procurement is one of the most significant contributors to our carbon footprint. We have established SMART carbon reduction targets which are detailed in the sustainability targets document. The document also lists any actions that need to be taken in order to achieve our targets.
The university recognises procurement is one of the most significant contributors to our carbon footprint. Training is being trailed in procurement and rolled out to all relevant staff members.
Sustainable Procurement Steering Group
The Sustainable Procurement Steering Group was formed in April 2014. Membership is drawn from the procurement team, academic and support staff and students. The Head of Procurement, who chairs this group, is a member of the Sustainable Development Committee and provides regular reports to the meetings. See the terms of reference and membership details for further information. The group members are invited to provide guest lectures to students as education is an important remit of the group.
The main focus of this group is ethical procurement issues. This includes workers’ rights, such as Modern Slavery in the supply chain, factory conditions and reforming supply chains and Social Values Act.
Procurement of electronic goods
Poor working conditions and labour rights abuse are commonplace in many parts of the developing world, which is where the majority of ICT products are made. The University procures all its ICT equipment through The North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC), who are signed up to Electronics Watch. Electronics Watch is an independent organisation that aims to monitor working conditions in the global electronics industry to ensure socially responsible public purchasing across Europe.
Net Positive Tool
The University is committed to being socially responsible, which means managing the environmental and social impacts associated with our activity. We have signed up to use the supplier engagement tool. This allows suppliers to consider the impacts their business has on a variety of sustainability issues, and work towards making positive steps to improving these areas .
The infographic report below highlights the engagement of University suppliers with the NET Positive Tool.
The University has created an action plan utilising the Tool. The plan includes evidence of how the university is working to improve a range of issues and impacts. Our Action Plan can be found here.
We encourage our suppliers to create their own sustainability action plan with the NET Positive tool. This gives us a better understanding of sustainability impact through the supply chain.
Ethical Investment
The University will not directly invest in:
• Fossil fuel companies
• Arms Companies
• Border Industry Companies
• Companies in Violation of International Law
Please find our ethical Investment policy here for further details.
Fossil Free Declaration
The University is continuing to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable energy by signing the Fossil Free Declaration in May 2021. Please visit the document link to view the declaration. We are publicly declaring that we do not invest in fossil fuel companies now and in the future.
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