"Anderson Scientific is a very small business - in fact I am sole trader, but I have found that there are opportunities to tender for collaborative contracts."
Robert Anderson,
Anderson Scientific
Sustainability for suppliers
The actions of the public sector have a huge impact on society, the economy and the environment. Therefore, public sector organisations have a responsibility to ensure that they consider all these aspects when spending public funds.
Our Sustainable Procurement Policy underpins our aim to practice responsible sustainable purchasing across all our activities. We undertake a comprehensive sustainability test for each new commodity prior to issuing a tender, which identifies the social, economic and environmental benefits that sustainable economic growth demands.
When responding to a tender, suppliers may be required to supply detail and evidence in each of these three areas. The type of evidence will vary according to the commodity or service being purchased, but there are a number of ways that suppliers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability:
- Having an Environmental Management system in place. A working environmental policy is a minimum requirement, and a willingness to work towards certification by a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) body would provide further evidence.
- Having an Equal Opportunities policy in place and ensuring that is practised within their organisation.
- Having a Corporate Social Responsibility policy in place and ensuring that this is practised within their organisation.
- Where timber and wood derived products are required, providing certifiable evidence of supply from a sustainable source.
- Proving compliance with industry regulations such as Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
- Considering the types of vehicles that would be used by suppliers, including fuel and emission rates.
- Considering the types of packaging used and whether it can be recycled.
Additionally, we welcome ideas for innovative approaches to sustainability from suppliers. Some examples from our current contract portfolio include:
Food
A major food supplier, Brakes, won 'The Innovation Zone Most Added Value to the School Meals Sector award' at this year's Local Authorities Caterers Association Conference for its 'Green Train' which transports fresh produce from Spain to the UK.
This move to rail transportation at the end of last season not only saves over 2000 road miles per trip and the associated CO2 emission, but also reduces the total journey time by half a day which means customers are receiving fresher products.
Tyres
A tyre supplier, Strathclyde Tyres, understands that local authorities are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and have identified how effective tyre management can help them meet this aim.
Strathclyde Tyres have developed an innovative tyre management and advice service known as 'tyre husbandry', which aims to achieve maximum life and performance from each tyre. One of the services they undertake is to optimise tyre pressure, as it is known that under-inflated tyres wear out faster and result in poor fuel economy.
Presentation Equipment
A Presentation and AV supplier, SSUK, offer a 'buy back' option to schools that are updating or upgrading their existing interactive whiteboards or projectors.
Upon removal from the school, SSUK will ensure that all equipment is recycled or disposed of in accordance with WEEE regulations. SSUK are currently in discussions with an aid charity who are building schools and health facilities in Malawi to explore whether there is an opportunity to donate this equipment to schools in developing nations.