Procurement
We are rethinking the way we procure our goods and services, and aim to generate positive social and environmental impact through sustainable and circular procurement strategies.
Green Purchasing
We have conducted a baseline carbon footprint of our supply chain to assess the environmental impact of the University's purchasing strategies. Guidelines are also being developed for green procurement contracts to promote the purchase and use of products and services that have been made with more environmentally friendly materials; produced and shipped with minimal impact to the environment; and which cause minimal environmental damage during its use or maintenance.
Socially Sustainable Supply Chain
Beyond looking at the environmental impact of our procurement choices, we are incorporating social aspects into our Sustainble Procurement Framework and our supplier sustainability self-assessment document. We encourage our suppliers to ensure that they address and eliminate socially harmful practices such as child labor, forced labor, unsafe working conditions, as well as discriminatory practices based on gender, race or religion.
What you can do
- Make more deliberate and conscious purchasing decisions - pause before you buy and consider whether you really need it in the first place.
- Choose more durable products made from sustainable materials and which have been produced in a socially responsible and ethical manner. Look out for products that have been certified with labels such as the Better Cotton Initiative; Cradle to Cradle; Fairtrade International; Forest Stewardship Council; Rainforest Alliance.
- Encourage your department or school to consider sustainability criteria alongside the cost and performance of products and services during the procurement process. Assess suppliers on their commitment to sustainability.
- Learn more about supply chain sustainability through modules offered by the SMU Academy such as "Sustainable Supply Chain and the Circular Economy"; "Emerging themes in Supply Chain - Sustainability, Resilience, Digitalisation"; and "Mastering Effective Sustainable Procurement". Dive deeper into specific topics through the research on supply chain sustainability conducted by SMU faculty.
