Appendix 1

        A SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT POLICY

The Council recognises it has a vital role in furthering sustainable development, through its procurement of buildings, goods, works and services. Procurement decisions have a major socio-economic and environmental implication, both locally and globally, now and for future generations. The Council will therefore strive to:

 People, Education and Awareness

• Educate, train and encourage internal purchasers to review their consumption of goods and services, reduce usage and adopt more environmentally friendly alternative products
• Communicate the sustainable procurement policy to all staff, suppliers and stakeholders

Policy, Strategy & Procurement Process

General:-

• Promote and embed best practice for sustainable procurement
• Work in partnership with other South East Region councils to maximise sustainable procurement gains

Environmental products:-

• Consider the costs and benefits of environmentally preferable goods, suppliers and services
• Wherever possible and practicable, specify a requirement in line with nationally or regionally agreed minimum specifications
• Where such exact specification is not possible, offer a facility for suppliers to submit offers for environmentally friendly alternatives

Environmental construction, biodiversity & recycling:-

• Set targets for Carbon Management, BREEAM and sustainable construction, refurbishment and maintenance
• Fulfil obligations under the Biodiversity duty as part of Sustainable Development plans
• Investigate opportunities for recycling, reduced usage, bulk delivery and better packaging

Socio-Economic:- 

• Fully support the Council’s commitment to the Small Business Friendly Concordat and VCS (Voluntary and Community Sector) Compact
• Ensure that where appropriate and allowable, Sustainability Criteria are part of the supplier evaluation process and are used in the award of contracts

Engaging Suppliers

• Communicate the Council’s sustainability objectives to our suppliers
• Encourage and persuade suppliers to adopt environmentally friendly processes and supply environmentally friendly goods and services as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility
• Address barriers to the Council doing business with Small Business & Voluntary sectors

Measurements and Results

• Comply with all legislation relevant to sustainability
• Collaborate with South East Region Councils to meet the targets of a Joint Action Plan
• Support achievement of local Council targets for Sustainability improvement