ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance
Sustainable Procurement Policy
AASTMT Sustainable Procurement Policy
Background
The objective of this policy is to delineate the AASTMT's stance regarding the administration of sustainable and ethical procurement. The Sustainable Procurement Policy of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) establishes the essential sustainability criteria for the procurement of products and services by the institution. The policy also establishes the criteria and guidelines for the responsibilities of AASTMT buyers in relation to sustainable procurement activities. The Sustainable Procurement Policy mainly aims at waste reduction, with a hierarchical approach that emphasizes reduction as the primary strategy, followed by reuse and ultimately recycling. In line with this perspective, it mainly focuses on minimizing superfluous purchases, followed by a prioritization of acquiring surplus or multi-purpose goods prior to procuring recyclable or compostable alternatives.
Mission and values
AASTMT is acknowledging that procurement activities exert a substantial influence on the environment. Consequently, a strong dedication is held to minimize this impact to the greatest extent feasible. The present Sustainable Procurement Policy aligns with the principles governing a comprehensive procurement strategy, encompassing production and service, and is consistent with the University's broader environmental sustainability policies, including Climate Action Progress and its dedication to the People.
AASTMT actively promotes and advocates for its suppliers and subcontractors to effectively address and mitigate the environmental and social consequences arising from their business activities. Suppliers and subcontractors are advised to modify their business practices as necessary in order to comply with AASTMT policy and practices. In order to fulfil our obligations, we will:
- Examine the necessity of procurement and the imperative to minimize consumption while simultaneously addressing user requirements.
- It is imperative to consider the comprehensive life cycle costs and impacts associated with products and services when making purchasing decisions.
- It is imperative to incorporate sustainability specifications into all pertinent procurement contracts and tenders, aligning them with the specific product or service being procured.
- Assess the sustainability and environmental performance of suppliers and contractors, with the objective of promoting their adherence to environmentally conscious practices in their operational activities.
- It is advisable to procure products that adhere to ethical standards and are traded fairly, thereby abstaining from the exploitation of labor. Additionally, it is recommended to endorse the acquisition of products and services that promote equality and diversity.
- Enhance the knowledge and skills of personnel engaged in procurement activities, with the aim of promoting the adoption of the Sustainable Procurement Policy.
Policy Statement
The AASTMT recognizes its buying decisions' impact on the economy, society, and environment. AAST uses this as a chance to make ethical and sustainable purchases of goods and services. This policy attempts to incorporate environmental and socioeconomic considerations at each phase of the process of buying goods, mirroring the commitments outlined in AASTMT’s sustainability policy.
To assist us in fulfilling our obligations, the AASTMT seeks to
- Evaluate the requirement for purchases and curtail consumption while simultaneously attending to user needs.
- Consider the effects and whole-life costs of goods and services when making decisions about what to buy.
- Assess suppliers' and contractors' environmental performance and sustainability and motivate them to operate in an environmentally conscious approach.
- Invest in products that are ethically and fairly traded, refrain from exploiting employees, and encourage purchasing of goods and services that promote diversity and equality.
- Raise staff members' knowledge and give them training so they will embrace the Sustainable Procurement Policy.
Objectives
- To indicate the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly products whenever applicable.
- To incorporate sustainable environmental criteria in the process of awarding contracts, when deemed suitable.
- To plan strategic activities related to Procurement strategically
- To maximize value for money and reduce operational and financial risk.
- To adhere and promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and sustainability related to procurement processes.
Supplier evaluation
The suppliers’ sustainable environmental credentials are incorporated, to the extent feasible, into the suppliers' evaluation procedure.
- Advocate for the adoption of sustainable Fair Trade purchasing principles in suitable and feasible contexts.
- Collaborate with essential suppliers to facilitate transformative initiatives aimed at disseminating sustainability enhancements across the entirety of the supply chain.
- Engaging in the practice of abstaining from the usage of products containing substances that are known to possess particularly deleterious properties.
- Promoting the utilization of economically viable products that incorporate recycled materials.
- Excessive packaging waste and promoting environmental sustainability is to implement measures aimed at reducing the amount of packaging used and establishing take-back programs.
- Enhance the dissemination of information regarding the University's sustainability policies, objectives, and aspirations within the supply market to foster greater awareness.
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Policy title: |
Sustainable Procurement |
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Date created: |
May 2020 |
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Approving body: |
SDG Workforce Committee |
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Version: |
Version 3 |
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Last review date: |
2023 |
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Next review date: |
2025 |
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Policy owner: |
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Lead contact: |
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Approval Signature
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Dean of Scientific Research |
