Ethical sourcing policy

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has established comprehensive policies to ensure the ethical sourcing of food and supplies, integrating environmental conscientiousness into its procurement processes. These policies are designed to promote sustainability, ethical practices, and responsible consumption in alignment with the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Environmental Conscientious Principles in Procurement

Central to UJ’s approach is the incorporation of environmental considerations alongside economic and ethical factors in its procurement activities. The UJ Procurement Policy, as outlined in the November 2020 document, details specific measures to uphold these principles:

• Sustainable Materials: The policy advocates for the procurement of products containing materials produced sustainably, as well as those comprising reconditioned or recycled components. This initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the university’s supply chain.
• Product Stewardship: UJ prioritises suppliers who demonstrate product stewardship by recollecting products at the end of their life cycle. This practice ensures responsible disposal and recycling, minimising waste and promoting a circular economy.
• Energy Efficiency and Pollution Reduction: The university gives preference to goods that are energy-efficient and have a lower pollution profile. By selecting such products, UJ actively contributes to reducing its overall energy consumption and environmental impact.
• Supplier Environmental Management: UJ favours suppliers who minimise their energy usage and adverse environmental effects, especially those accredited with a certified environmental management system. This criterion ensures that the university collaborates with partners committed to sustainable practices.

These principles are comprehensively detailed in section 5.3 of the UJ Procurement Policy. 

Sustainable Procurement and Purchasing Policy

UJ’s commitment to ethical sourcing is further reinforced through its Sustainable Procurement and Purchasing Policy. This policy underscores the university’s dedication to integrating sustainability into its procurement decisions, ensuring that environmental and social considerations are paramount when selecting suppliers and products. The policy also emphasises the importance of engaging with suppliers who adhere to sustainable practices, thereby extending UJ’s environmental responsibility beyond its immediate operations.

Energy, Resource, Waste, and Sustainability (ERWSus) Policy

In addition to procurement-specific policies, UJ has implemented the Energy, Resource, Waste, and Sustainability (ERWSus) Policy. This policy outlines the university’s strategic approach to managing resources efficiently, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability across all operations. By adopting this holistic approach, UJ ensures that its commitment to ethical sourcing is part of a broader strategy of responsible consumption and production. 

Practical Implementation and Examples

UJ’s policies are not merely theoretical but are actively implemented across various facets of university operations:

• Catering Services: The university’s food service providers are required to source ingredients that are sustainably produced, prioritising local suppliers to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation. This practice supports local economies and ensures fresher produce for the university community.
• Office Supplies: Departments are encouraged to procure office materials made from recycled content and to select energy-efficient electronic devices. This initiative reduces waste and energy consumption, aligning with UJ’s sustainability goals.
• Waste Management: In collaboration with suppliers, UJ has instituted programmes for the recollection and recycling of used products, such as electronic waste and packaging materials. This effort minimises landfill usage and promotes the reuse of materials.

Through these comprehensive policies and their practical applications, the University of Johannesburg exemplifies a robust commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, fostering an environment of responsible consumption and production.

Refer to page 12 (point 5.3) of the UJ Procurement Policy:

5.3  Environmental Conscientious Principles

“Environmental conscientious principles shall be considered alongside economic and ethical principles.

5.3.1  Consideration shall be given to:

a) The procurement of products containing materials produced in a sustainable manner and/or reconditioned or recycled components.

b) Use of suppliers who offer product stewardship, i.e., suppliers who are willing to recollect products at the end of their life cycle.

c) Preference for goods that are more energy-efficient and cause less pollution.

d) Preference to those suppliers that minimise their energy consumption and adverse environmental impact, especially those with a certified environmental management system.”