I. Purpose

This policy is designed to guide the procurement practices at the University of Chittagong, ensuring that all purchasing decisions support and promote environmental sustainability. The policy aims to minimize the environmental impact of the university’s procurement activities and encourage the adoption of sustainable products and services across all departments and facilities.

 

II. Scope

This policy applies to all procurement activities conducted by or on behalf of the University of Chittagong, including purchases made for administrative, academic, construction, and operational needs. It covers all university employees involved in the purchasing process.

 

III. Policy Objectives

1.       To prioritize the purchase of environmentally friendly, durable, and recyclable products.
2.      To engage suppliers and contractors who demonstrate commitment to sustainability practices.
3.       To reduce the environmental impact associated with the manufacturing, use, and disposal of purchased goods and services.
4.      To promote the use of renewable resources and materials with lower environmental footprints.
5.       To enhance awareness and training regarding sustainable procurement among university staff.

 

IV. Policy Statements and Strategies

1. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing:
   • Prioritize products that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, durable, and made from recycled or renewable materials.
   • Select products that have a reduced impact on human health and the environment over their lifecycle.
2. Supplier Engagement:
   • Engage suppliers through a vetting process that evaluates their environmental policies and practices.
   • Encourage suppliers to adopt environmental management systems and to provide environmentally friendly products.
3. Waste Reduction:
   • Purchase products that are reusable, refillable, repairable, and more sustainable.
   • Adopt practices that reduce waste, such as bulk purchasing and reduced packaging.
4. Training and Awareness:
   • Provide regular training for procurement staff on sustainable purchasing practices.
   • Disseminate information about the policy and its benefits to all university departments.
5. Monitoring and Reporting:
   • Implement tracking and reporting mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of sustainable procurement practices.
   • Regularly review and report procurement practices to the university’s administration and relevant stakeholders.

 

V. Implementation

1.       Procurement Process:
   1. Integrate sustainability criteria into procurement documents such as requests for proposals, invitations to bid, and contracts.
   2. Ensure that all procurement actions are taken with consideration of this policy.
2.      Performance Metrics:

1. Develop and utilize specific metrics to assess the environmental impact of procurement activities.
2. Set annual targets for improvement based on these metrics.

3.       Collaborative Purchasing:

1. Participate in consortia that prioritize the purchase of sustainable goods and services to leverage collective buying power.

 

VI. Compliance and Enforcement

All university departments must comply with this policy. Non-compliance will be addressed through corrective actions and may include training or revising procurement processes.

 

VII. Review and Amendment

This policy will be reviewed every two years, or as necessary, to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The review will consider changes in environmental standards, market availability of sustainable products, and university needs.