Sustainability Policy Statement
Buying Solutions is an Executive Agency of the Office of Government Commerce in the Treasury whose primary role is to maximise the value for money obtained by government departments and other public bodies through a dedicated, professional procurement service. Our principal products are frameworks and managed services although we also own and contract for the operation of the Whitehall Systems (WS) which includes a combined heat and power generation facility.
This Sustainability Policy is supported by the Buying Solutions' Board and applies to all of Buying Solutions' activities at all of the sites which it directly operates, but not to the operation of WS (which will be operated to a site specific Environmental Management System).
We recognise that sustainability encompasses environmental, social and economic concerns. We are committed to seeking continuous improvement in our performance on sustainability, in both our internal and procurement functions, which is consistent with providing value for money for the taxpayer by:
- Complying with all relevant UK Government policies on sustainable development and sustainable procurement, and all relevant legislation and regulations;
- Establishing sustainable development as a clear feature of Buying Solutions' decision making, from Board level downwards and ensuring that all colleagues follow the principles of this policy and supporting guidance;
- Setting and monitoring relevant sustainability objectives and targets, based on our significant aspects and impacts, and reporting progress regularly through clear, consistent processes;
- Educating, training and motivating colleagues to work in a sustainably responsible manner and to play a full part in developing new ideas and initiatives;
- Communicating openly and proactively with colleagues about sustainability issues and best practice, and co-operating with others in the public and private sectors to develop and promote sustainably sound practices;
- Ensuring that sustainability principles are given due consideration at each stage of the category management process, including:
- developing an in-depth understanding of the sustainability issues relevant to each category;
- building a detailed appreciation of customers' sustainability requirements, and ensuring that customers have access to a range of sustainable products and services (and supporting information) to assist them in meeting these requirements;
- working with suppliers, including early market engagement, and working post-award to seek ongoing improvements to suppliers' sustainability performance and that of their supply chains;
- Encouraging the appropriate uptake of sustainable products and services across the public sector;
- Striving to improve the sustainability performance of all Buying Solutions activities (including travel, marketing and communications, ICT, estates management, and domestic procurement). This will include:
- preventing direct and indirect pollution where possible, or striving to reduce it;
- making efficient use of all resources and decreasing the consumption of non-renewable resources;
Buying Solutions' Director of Corporate Services will co-ordinate and promote the implementation of the above policies and will report regularly on progress, publicising developments both internally and externally. A copy of this policy will be displayed on our intranet and made available to the public on our web site.
Alison Littley
Chief Executive
Date: November 2008
Version: 2.0