Supply Chain Sustainability
Supply chain partners are key stakeholders whose support is crucial to achieving campus sustainability. PolyU incorporates environmental and social considerations, where possible, into the internal procurement processes in line with sustainability principles. A Purchasing Policy was formulated in 2017 to manage the procurement of both products and services. The Purchasing Policy helps to ensure that all procurement practices are of the best cost for value and executed in an accountable and impartial manner, irrespective of funding source and purchase value.
The Green Purchase Guidelines for Commonly-used Products have made reference to the Environmental Protection Department’s green specifications, with a view to select products with minimal adverse environmental impacts. For example, the University purchases office equipment with energy-saving labels or that is certified to be Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)-compliant. Paper products of high recycled contents or made with raw materials from sustainable sources, such as forests managed by the Forest Stewardship Council, are also procured. Taking the full life-cycle of procured products or services into account, regular suppliers are required to disclose, wherever practical and feasible, any environmental measures adopted during the manufacturing and logistics processes, as an effort to minimize adverse environmental impacts.
Apart from product procurement, the University has also set forth sustainability requirements for tendering process and contractors. Sustainability-related requirements are introduced in request-for-quotation documents, tender invitations and works contracts. To enhance competitiveness and transparency of the bidding process, tender invitations are publicly available on the University’s website and open to all suppliers. Service contractors are required to attain full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to the environment, employment and labour practices. We have established effective communication channels for suppliers to express any concerns. For instance, main renovation and building contractors are required to establish environmental management plans to elucidate measures on the use of resources and the control of noise, dust, smell and waste. In addition to drawing up environmental management plans, service contractors are required to satisfy other requirements to drive sustainable development, such as submitting site safety supervision plans, conducting site safety inspections, and putting in place emergency procedures to safeguard on-site workers and property.
During the review period, the purchase of goods and services, including office supplies, equipment, maintenance and repair services, were sourced via competitive bidding whenever possible. About 79% of PolyU’s suppliers are Hong Kong-based and the remaining are located in other regions.