We are excited to embark on this journey to ensure that our procurement practices are as sustainable as possible. We believe that sustainable procurement is essential for the future of our business and the planet.
Sustainable Procurement at the NOC
Sustainable procurement is the practice of buying goods and services that are produced in a way that is socially and environmentally responsible. This includes considering the environmental impact of the products and services we purchase, as well as the social and economic impacts of our procurement decisions. At NOC, we believe that sustainability is an essential part of doing business. We recognise that the products and services we purchase have an impact on the environment and society, and we are committed to making responsible choices in our procurement process. We also recognise that we cannot do this alone and need the support and collaboration of our suppliers to achieve our sustainability goals.
The NOC is committed to working in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus in procurement on the following:
Modern Slavery
NOC is bound by the principles of the Charity Commission and will be transparent in all business conducted including the disclosure of any risks related to Modern Slavery. NOC takes very seriously the risk that Modern Slavery poses to its daily functions and is committed to establishing a business and supply chain free from Modern Slavery.
Currently NOC deals with a wide range of suppliers for products and services, some for general needs whilst others can be specific and specialised equipment for scientific research and innovation. In either case, NOC aims to put ahead of anything else, complying with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. As such, the procurement team are continuing to implement strategies and targets that support a Modern Slavery free supply chain.
More details, including NOC's Modern Slavery statement and policy can be found here.
Sustainable Procurement Strategy
The NOC Sustainable Procurement Strategy has been created to ensure that our entire organisation understands the impact of the NOC's supply chains environmentally, socially and economically. The strategy aligns with the overall Sustainability and Social Responsibility strategy for the NOC and the NOC's Environmental Policy. We will be working in accordance with ISO 20400 for sustainable procurement.
The strategy focuses on six key objectives:
- Ensuring prudent use of natural resources and reduction of waste in the supply chain
- Supporting the management of our carbon impact
- Seeking out opportunities to increase supply from UK manufacturers and SMEs
- Working with internal departments to embed sustainable procurement
- Managing the delivery of goods and services through effective contracts
- Working with suppliers to implement ethical working practices and drive down modern slavery across the NOC's supply chain
What does this mean for our suppliers?
As a supplier to the NOC, you will be expected to provide information on the sustainability of your products and services, adhering to our environmental and social standards, and participating in any audits or assessments that we may conduct.
We encourage open communication, transparency, and a willingness to work together to identify areas where we can improve our sustainability practices. We are committed to learning from our suppliers and sharing our own knowledge and expertise. In addition to welcoming feedback and suggestions, we also encourage our suppliers to share their own sustainability practices and initiatives. We believe that by working together and sharing best practice, we can create a more sustainable and responsible supply chain.
We hope you will join us on our sustainable procurement journey. Let's work together to create a better future for all of us.
Contact Us
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries about how best to work with us;
Procurement procurement@noc.ac.uk
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