Sustainable Procurement at Carleton University
Procurement Services and the Office of Sustainability at Carleton are committed to making responsible procurement decisions that encompass financial, social, and environmental considerations. The University Procurement Policy outlines our approach to sustainable procurement, with a focus on promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability in the acquisition of goods and services.
Recognizing that successful sustainable procurement relies on dedicated participants, Carleton emphasizes the importance of assessing environmental, societal, and economic factors in every procurement activity. This necessitates a meticulous evaluation of procurement requirements and exploration of opportunities that align with environmental responsibility and fostering “healthy communities.”
Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Supplier Survey
Carleton is utilizing an ESG Supplier Survey to collaborate with current and future suppliers in understanding and mitigating negative environmental and societal impacts of the supply chain. This initiative aligns with Carleton’s commitment to sustainability, as outlined in the Comprehensive Sustainability Plan, and supports the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into university decision-making, as highlighted in the Finance and Administration Strategic Plan.
In partnership with Tealbook, a global enterprise software company, Carleton will be inviting suppliers to assess their ESG performance. The survey evaluates relevant supplier policies, practices, and results across five themes: Health and Safety, Environment, Diversity, Governance, and Privacy. Survey results will enable collaboration between the University and its suppliers to improve social and environmental impacts of the supply chain, fostering stronger working relationships. All information provided in the survey will be treated confidentially and will only be used for the purpose of assessing and improving sustainability within the supply chain.
Addressing Modern Slavery in the Supply Chain
The ESG Supplier Survey at Carleton also aims to assess our supply chain with respect to issues like modern slavery. Despite existing anti-slavery laws in Canada, the persistence of slavery in global supply chains remains a challenge. Participation in the survey will help facilitate the Carleton’s ability to address legislation, such as Bill S-211, which mandates supply chain reporting for certain entities.
If you have questions about the survey and how we intend to use the results. please contact us at procurementservices@carleton.ca.