Procurement

The University spends over £25 million on the purchase of goods and services, much of which has a significant environmental impact.  All staff and students, especially those with responsibility for procuring large quantities of goods, are urged to consider if the procurement of the goods is actually necessary.  If so, options with a lesser environmental impact should be investigated and procured if possible.

Sustainable Procurement Action Plan for Scotland

In November 2009, the Scottish Government produced an Action Plan to assist the public sector build sustainable procurement into their corporate culture and take proper account of sustainability in procurement activity.

Dr Gerald Webber, University Secretary, is responsible for implementing the Delivery Plan for sustainable procurement, within Edinburgh Napier University.  The team within Finance, Planning and Commercial Services are progressing with the Plan at Edinburgh Napier.

What is green/environmental/sustainable purchasing?

It's about taking environmental and social factors into account in purchasing decisions with the aim of minimising the environmental and social impacts of the purchases you make.

Why undertake green/environmental/sustainable purchasing?

As a major purchaser of goods and services, the Higher Education sector has a major impact on the environment and society. There are benefits to both the University and the environment - these include:

•  Cost savings
•  Enhancing corporate image
•  Ensuring compliance with legislation
•  Conserves natural resources
•  Reduces pollution
•  Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill 

Simple steps to environmental purchasing

When making purchasing decisions, consider whether you can purchase a product that:

• Is made partly or wholly from recycled material
• Can be recycled once it has been finished with
• Is energy efficient – purchase electrical appliances that have an A energy rating
• Does not have excessive amounts of packaging
• Is sourced from local suppliers

Edinburgh Napier has an Ethical Investment Policy and is a Fairtrade University.  Through Universities that Count, the University will be assessed annually on its environmental procurement decisions.