PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT

1. Encourage innovation
The process should encourage innovation related to more sustainable goods, works and services, through effective market research and use of outcome specifications.
2. Develop a competitive, sustainable supply chain
There should be emphasis on maintaining or improving the competitive market. For example, if a supplier with lower sustainability capacity is selected for other commercial or technical reasons, they should be required to develop a programme of work to improve during the contract. This will improve the pool of competitive suppliers who can deliver sustainable outcomes.
3. Full and fair opportunity
Local procurement, minority businesses, SMEs etc. are often significant stakeholder priorities and should be supported through the supply chain where appropriate. However, this needs to be set in the context of full and fair opportunity and not positive discrimination.
4. Manage demand
Demand management should be key to the standard. The most sustainable way to procure is not to buy at all or to keep demand to a minimum by operating the business more efficiently. There needs to be an organisational link between procurer and user of goods, works and services.
5. Compliance with applicable international, national, state and local Laws
Recognition that local customs, traditions and practices may differ, but expect as a minimum that suppliers comply with local, national and international laws, including all environmental, health and safety, and labor laws. Suppliers should support International Labor Organisation core conventions on labor standards.
6. Health and safety
A healthy and safe working environment must be provided for all employees, in accordance with international standards and laws. This includes making sure that adequate facilities, training and access to safety information are provided. All applicable policies, procedures and guidelines must be adhered to e.g. suppliers that handle, transport or dispose hazardous materials, or the dispose of electronic equipment, must confirm that they understand their obligations. They must also confirm that they have management processes and controls in place, and where applicable, agree to be fully responsible for any liability resulting from their actions.
7. Forced labor and Child labour
Suppliers must not use forced, bonded or compulsory labor and employees must be free to leave their employment after reasonable notice. Employees must not be required to lodge deposits, money or papers with their employer. Child labor should not be tolerated in the supply chain.
• No one should be employed who is below the legal minimum age for employment
• Children (below the age of 18) must not be employed for any hazardous work or work that is inconsistent with their personal development
8. Environmental impacts
Organisations should understand environmental impacts and risks. They should work to reduce these impacts and promote environmentally-friendly policies. This should cover:
• Waste and disposal
• Improved efficiency for using finite or scarce resources such as energy, water and raw materials
• Protecting biodiversity
• CO2, methane and other gases, as well as other relevant factors impacting climate change
• Environmental impacts such as noise, water and ground pollution
• Management, operational and technical controls to minimise the release of harmful emissions into the environment