Sustainable purchasing is a process in which we ensure the companies that supply products to the University do so ethically, and with sustainability in mind. It's important for us to work with businesses that share our aims to help the planet.
We'll work together with our stakeholders and service providers to reach our shared goal of making a difference to climate change by 2040.
Sustainable procurement
There are five key areas where our purchasing has an impact:
Biodiversity
Consumption of energy
Production of waste
Production of carbon emissions
Pollution created through whole life cycle.
Working together to reach Net Zero
Scope 3 emissions from our supply chain are estimated to be four times greater than the emissions from our built estate. These are emissions from the goods and services we procure, which we have influence over, but don't control.
Our target is to achieve Net Zero Carbon for these carbon emissions by 2050. We're beginning by engaging with our most significant suppliers about their carbon reduction plans. We're also working in partnership with Sunderland City Council and other public sector organisations to identify common areas of action.
Sustainable procurement roadmap
We've developed a Sustainable Procurement Roadmap which aims to help us reach a Net Zero carbon supply chain by 2050.
By September 2030, we require all suppliers to the University to:
Provide their carbon footprint data to us annually
Have an Environmental Management System (such as ISO14001 or Investors in the Environment)
Have a public Net Zero target and a Carbon Reduction Plan.
We're introducing this in a phased approach, according to our published roadmap:
We require all new suppliers to the University to provide Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint data via the Net Zero Carbon Supplier Tool, with support provided.
All suppliers with contracts must provide Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint data via the Net Zero Carbon Supplier Tool.
We require suppliers with contracts greater than £250,000 to have an externally audited Environment Management System, a public Net Zero Target, and a Carbon Reduction Plan.
All suppliers with contracts greater than £70,000 must have an externally audited Environment Management System, a public Net Zero Target, and a Carbon Reduction Plan.
All suppliers must provide Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint data via the Net Zero Carbon Supplier Tool, have an externally audited Environment Management System, a public Net Zero Target, and a Carbon Reduction Plan.
The Net Zero Carbon Supplier Tool(opens in new tab) is free for suppliers to use. Once you’ve entered your data, you'll receive a carbon reduction action plan, which includes your business’s carbon footprint that you can share with stakeholders, clients, and staff.
The good news is that if you've already provided your data (for example, through a request to use this tool by another university or public sector organisation) we can already access your data. As long as you update your data annually, you'll only need to do this once for all your clients that are using the Net Zero Carbon Supplier Tool.
This will be a mandatory requirement for all new suppliers from September 2025, and for all suppliers with contracts with the University from September 2026.
Access support
We've provided a list of other support that our staff and stakeholders can use to help better understand their carbon usage:
The Carbon reduction and Net zero for SMEs provides a wide range of free guides and resources for SMEs and start-ups to tackle net zero, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction.
Steps to energy saving: Tools for SMEs includes a Carbon Footprint Calculator, benchmarking your energy use, building business cases for energy efficiency, and exploring business fleet.
Net zero transition and planning delivery provides consultancy support including advice for companies on net zero transition, support with strategy, risks and opportunities, target setting, carbon reduction plans, and transitioning to a low carbon world.
The Low Carbon: Green business toolkit was developed by Sunderland City Council as part of their Low Carbon commitment. It aims to make being 'greener' simple, so you can get started with reducing your impact on the environment, saving money and future-proofing your operations.
This toolkit is suitable for businesses of any sector or size, whether you're starting out, checking your progress, or looking to make fundamental changes to the way you work.
By joining the Sunderland Green Network, you'll then have access to the following opportunities:
Detailed checklist: eight steps to a greener business
Connect to networks of businesses by sector or location that can support each other on their journey
Tailored support from the Sunderland City Council Low Carbon team on your journey.
More support will become available in relation to funding opportunities, digital resources, and training sessions.
Investors in the Environment (iiE) is a national environmental accreditation scheme designed to help organisations save time and money, reduce their impact on the environment, and get recognition for their progress. iiE is an accessible and proven route to help organisations get started on their sustainability journey and keep going.
iiE is a recognised Environmental Management System and is suitable for organisations of all types and sizes across the UK – from sole traders through to large multi-site employers.
The UK's 5.5 million small businesses and self-employed are critical to reaching the UK Government’s 2050 net zero target and paving the way to a greener future.
At the Federation of Small Businesses, working closely with partners such as UK Business Climate Hub, we’ve designed our sustainability hub to support you at key points on your journey, whether you need to make sense of the carbon jargon or you’re ready to take the next step. You’ll find top tips, advice, small business stories, and where you can go for further guidance.
