Sustainable Procurement Policy

Introduction

Urgench State University is committed to promoting sustainability in all aspects of its operations. As part of our ongoing efforts to minimize our environmental impact, we have developed this Sustainable Procurement Policy. This policy outlines our commitment to procuring goods and services in an environmentally responsible manner and supporting suppliers that share our dedication to sustainability.

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for sustainable procurement practices at Urgench State University, in line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic efficiency.

Objectives

Sustainable Procurement objectives are to:

• comply with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements;
• promote sustainable awareness and assessment amongst suppliers and contractors;
• procure sustainable products and services;
• reduce the environmental sustainability impacts of construction and refurbishment projects;
• include Environmental, economic and social aspects when specifying specific good or services;
• include sustainable criteria when evaluating offers from potential suppliers;
• promote awareness of sustainable issues and considerations within the user community;
• develop measures of our sustainable practice using sector standards;
• use the measures developed to monitor our sustainable practice with a view to seek continual improvement;
• use the results of the monitored practice to benchmark our performance against similar organisations;
• analyse the benchmarked performance to identify areas of practice for improvement;
• encourage the purchase of products and services that minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote social responsibility;
• support suppliers that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

Scope

This policy applies to all procurement activities within Urgench State University, including the purchase of goods, services, and construction works.

Principles

Sustainable Procurement Criteria: When procuring goods and services, Urgench State University will consider environmental, social, and economic factors, in addition to price and quality.

Key criteria may include:

• Energy and water efficiency: Evaluate products and services based on their energy and water consumption to reduce resource usage and costs.
• Use of recycled materials: Prioritize products made from recycled materials, which reduces waste and conserves natural resources.
• Waste minimization: Assess products and services based on their waste generation potential and choose options that minimize waste generation and facilitate recycling.
• Local sourcing: Support local suppliers and businesses, which can reduce transportation emissions, boost the local economy, and foster stronger community ties.
• Fair labor practices: Procure from suppliers that adhere to labor standards and certifications, ensuring ethical and responsible practices in the supply chain.
• Supplier Engagement: Urgench State University will work with suppliers to promote sustainability and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices in their operations.
• Life Cycle Costing: Procurement decisions will consider the total cost of ownership, including initial purchase price, maintenance costs, and disposal costs.
• Collaboration: Urgench State University will collaborate with other institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to share best practices and develop sustainable procurement initiatives.

Implementation

Urgench State University will develop and maintain a sustainable procurement guide to assist staff in making procurement decisions that align with this policy.

Staff responsible for procurement will receive training on sustainable procurement practices and the implementation of this policy.

Urgench State University will establish measurable targets and monitor progress towards achieving sustainable procurement goals.

This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Communication

Urgench State University will communicate this policy to all staff and make it publicly available on the institution’s website.

Urgench State University will engage with stakeholders, including suppliers, students, and the wider community, to raise awareness of our sustainable procurement commitments and initiatives.

Monitoring and Reporting

Urgench State University will establish a system to monitor and report on the implementation of this policy, including the achievement of sustainable procurement targets.

Urgench State University will include information on sustainable procurement activities and progress in relevant reports, such as annual sustainability reports or updates.

Continuous Improvement

Urgench State University will continuously evaluate and improve its sustainable procurement practices, incorporating new technologies, innovations, and best practices.

The university will engage in ongoing dialogue with suppliers, industry partners, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and collaboration in the area of sustainable procurement.

Responsibility

All staff involved in procurement activities at Urgench State University are responsible for implementing this policy and adhering to its principles.

Senior management is responsible for ensuring the policy is effectively communicated and integrated throughout the organization.

A designated Sustainable Procurement Officer (Rector) or team will be responsible for overseeing the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of this policy, as well as providing guidance and support to staff.

This Sustainable Procurement Policy is designed to be adaptable to the specific needs and goals of Urgench State University. To implement this policy, the university should establish clear targets, guidelines, and procedures that align with the principles outlined above. Regular monitoring and reporting on the progress of sustainable procurement initiatives will help ensure that the university continues to advance its commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic efficiency.