The document summarizes the results of a university supply chain workshop. It discusses the major purchases made by the university, the current use of sustainable criteria in procurement, useful tools and current practices, barriers to sustainability, expectations for improvement, guidelines for a purchasing policy, and next steps to focus on key goods and services and incorporate sustainability. Key areas to focus on include developing a hit list of common goods, standards and specifications, a preferred supplier list, identifying control points in the procurement process, and engaging stakeholders.

2. University Supply Chain Workshop 2 July 2009

3. Survey results

4. Major purchases Stationery / office equipment / paper IT equipment / software Printing (external publications) Furniture / fittings Building services / construction Chemicals Recruitment / temp staff Travel

5. Use of sustainable criteria No / not really Yes - required in all tenders Energy star compliance (electrical equipment) Industry claims (eg. paper) Motor vehicle green guide Green buildings guide Judgement call by individuals

6. Useful tools Recognised green goods and services (86%) Approved suppliers (86%) Specifications, checklists, guidelines (76%) Evaluation criteria (60%) Generic clauses (60%) Cost benefit tools (70%) Greenwash guide (40%)

7. Current tools, practices, aids Follow existing procurement guidelines Identifying sustainable suppliers Incorporating into tender processes Using industry recognised standards Using industry guidance (eg. Eco schemes) Ordering bulk quantities

8. Barriers Cost / financial constraints Lack of time / expertise / confidence Differing values / priorities / attitudes Sourcing products / reputable companies Greenwash No choice Too many products purchased

9. Your expectations Follow existing procurement guidelines Lists of approved products / suppliers Applications to assess life cycle costs Methods to purchase sustainable products Commitment / consistency Clearly defined goals and expectations Set directions / better planning Better understanding generally

10. Now what?

11. Purchasing policy Sustainability requirements Recyclable / remanufactured / reusable… Socially responsible / ethical / local Contain recycled content Energy / water efficient Less toxic

12. Purchasing policy Guideline purchasing actions Connect waste and purchasing Consider alternatives to purchasing Manage surplus effectively Use recognised standards Buy remanufactured goods Purchase low toxic goods

13. What now and how Focus on key goods and services Incorporate sustainability principles into current operational policies / practices Engage and educate staff / suppliers

14. Demand Review Product Focus Supplier Focus Risk Assessment Prequal and Appraisal Collaborative Work Specifications Evaluation Sustainability Goals and Policies Preferred Product List

15. Demand review What is the real need for this product? What would prevent the need for this product? Could it be shared? Can existing assets be refurbished or upgraded? If disposable, what re-usable alternatives exist? Can the volume be reduced? Can it be outsourced or hired?

16. 1. Goods and services Develop initial ‘hit list’ Whole of organisation common use products vs specialist goods for individual areas Develop standards and specifications for products incl: product packaging and transport supplier Develop preferred list of products / suppliers

17. 2. Operational process Whole of organisation versus area / faculty level Identify key ‘control points’ in procurement process Documentation and systems Approval processes Tender and supplier management QA, measuring effectiveness and feedback Stakeholders: internal and external

18. Identify need Specification Supplier qualification and appraisal Tendering and evaluation Evaluation and review Contract management

19. 3. Suppliers / stakeholders Identify key suppliers Information on the performance of the company Commit supplier to environmental management processes as part of contract delivery Within Uni: who are the key influencers? What do they need to know and do?