Supply Chain Due Diligence

The University utilises different supply chain monitoring tools to understand how our supply chain are committing to and embedding sustainability and social impact themes into direct business practices and through their supply chain.

Section 1 - Sustainable Supply Chain Portal

The University utilises Section 1 which is a portal provided by APUC for suppliers to provide data on the company's general standing, commitment to preventing modern slavery, addressing climate change and pledging to fair and decent working practices.

Information in four areas is required:

  • Company Data
  • Ethical Supply Chain
  • Environmental Impact & Carbon Reduction
  • Fair and Decent Working Practices

The University uses this data to monitor the sustainability and improvements of its supply chain as part of its contract management activities.

All new suppliers will be required to complete this. 

The University will invite you to complete the questionnaire post-contract award:

  • Complete Section 1 Questionnaire
  • Keep data up to date annually

If you have not been invited, but have a contract with the University, please contact the Finance Helpdesk finance.helpline@ed.ac.uk and Procurement will issue an invitation for completion.


EcoVadis - Supply Chain Accreditation

The University recognises the sustainability rating platform EcoVadis as a platform for demonstrating suppliers commitment to fair and ethical trade, minimising environmental impact and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

EcoVadis provides suppliers with an official sustainability rating which is based on an assessment of the suppliers commitment and approach to:

  • Environment
  • Labour & Human Rights
  • Ethics
  • Sustainable Procurement

An EcoVadis rating is recognised across a wide range of sectors, so the results can be shared with all of your customers.

The University's highest impact suppliers may be asked to sign up to EcoVadis as part of the contract.

EcoVadis

If you are interested in becoming accredited to demonstrate your commitment to fair and ethical trade, minimising environmental impact and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion:

  • Register your company
  • Complete the questionnaire
  • Receive an Ecovadis Rating: your questionnaire will be analysed by Ecovadis and provide you with an accreditation.
  • Share Rating
  • Receive a customised plan for continued improvement
  • Continue to improve and work towards next rating

 


Edinburgh Pathway- Pathway to Net Zero

The Edinburgh Pathway is a structured approach to support the transition to net zero.

It sets out key targets and staggered steps for us all to collaboratively address carbon reduction within our organisations and supply chains. Technical guidance on how to achieve these steps is also available to suppliers. 

The Edinburgh Pathway | Social Responsibility and Sustainability

If you are interested in signing up for the Edinburgh Pathway:

  • Pledge to adopt the Edinburgh Pathway as part of your efforts to transition to Net Zero by emailing our sustainability team at Responsible.Procurement@ed.ac.uk
  • Utilise the timebound actions and steps
  • Be part of a wider collaborative action to Sustainability

Suppliers considered high impact may be invited to sign up to the Edinburgh Pathway as part of the tender process.


This article was published on