At the American University of the Middle East (AUM), sustainable procurement is recognized as a key component of the University’s commitment to environmental responsibility and social well-being. This Sustainable Procurement and Purchasing Policy outlines AUM’s dedication to integrating sustainability principles into all procurement processes, thereby contributing positively to both the campus community and society at large.
Through the adoption of sustainable procurement practices, AUM seeks to minimize its environmental footprint, support ethical and responsible suppliers, and promote a culture of sustainability across its operations and stakeholder community.
Scope
This policy applies to all procurement and purchasing activities undertaken by AUM, including:
Goods and materials
Food and beverage services on campus
Service contracts
Vendor and supplier agreements
AUM incorporates the following key criteria in its procurement decisions:
Environmental Impact: Evaluation of the lifecycle environmental impact of products and services, including carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource use.
Social Impact: Assessment of suppliers’ labor practices, human rights compliance, and contributions to community development.
Ethical Sourcing: Verification of responsible and ethical sourcing practices, including fair trade principles and supply chain transparency.
Evaluation and Selection
AUM applies a comprehensive and systematic assessment process to evaluate and select suppliers based on their alignment with sustainability criteria. This process includes engagement with relevant internal stakeholders to ensure that procurement decisions are consistent with the University’s sustainability objectives.
Collaboration with Suppliers and Partners
Supply Chain Engagement: AUM actively encourages suppliers to adopt sustainable practices and supports continuous improvement in their sustainability performance.
Partnership for Sustainability: The University prioritizes collaboration with responsible suppliers and partners to foster innovation and advance sustainability initiatives across the supply chain.
AUM Sustainability website:
https://www.aum.edu.kw/english/sustainability
Sustainability partnerships and memberships:
https://www.aum.edu.kw/english/sustainability/partnerships-amp-memberships