Supply Chain Sustainability
Support from supply chain partners is essential to campus sustainability. Aiming to incorporate sustainable considerations into internal procurement processes, PolyU has a Purchasing Policy to manage the procurement of both products and services. The Policy ensures that all procurement practices are executed in an accountable and impartial manner, irrespective of funding source and purchase value, while offering the best value.
In order to procure products with minimal environmental impact, PolyU has also established the Green Purchase Guidelines for procurement. The full life cycle of procured products or services is taken into account for procurement selection. As such, regular suppliers are required to disclose any environmental measures implemented during manufacturing and logistic processes to minimise environmental impacts. The Guidelines seek reference from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)’s green specifications. For example, paper products with high recycled contents or made with sustainable raw sources are preferred. The University also selects electrical appliances which are Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)-compliant or come with energy-saving labels.
The University has set sustainability requirements for contractors and the tendering process. Sustainability related requirements are included in the request-for-quotation documents, tender invitations and works contracts as one of the criteria of procurement. Full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to the environment, employment and labour practices is mandatory for service contractors. Service contractors are also required to submit site safety supervision plans and put in place emergency procedures to safeguard on-site workers for the betterment of sustainable development. Main renovation and building contractors are required to establish environmental management plans to illustrate measures on the use of resources and the control of noise, dust, smell and waste. Tender invitations are open to all suppliers on the University website to enhance the transparency and competitiveness of the bidding process. An e-Tendering system was in pilot implementation in February 2020 to implement a more user-friendly supplier sourcing and management tool, and to increase transparency of the tendering process.
During the reporting period, 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 remainder are located in other regions.
Supply chain management
