Sustainable Procurement Policy approved

A proposal to produce and implement a revised and updated Sustainable Procurement Policy, was approved at today’s (Tuesday 10 November) Cabinet meeting.

The main objective of the new policy is to ensure that goods and services are procured ethically and responsibly, from ethical and sustainable sources, including through the supply chain and sub-contractors.

Depute Council Leader, Norman Hampshire said: “East Lothian Council spends approximately £140 million every year on goods, services and works. It is therefore extremely important that we look at appropriate ways that additional social, environmental and economic benefits can be delivered to East Lothian through our procurement exercises.”

“A key factor in our updated Sustainable Procurement Policy is the recognition of environmental impact and climate change. Through the purchase of required goods and services we must take into account how this can support the reduction of the council’s environmental impact, including carbon emissions, and improving sustainability wherever possible. East Lothian Council’s Climate Change Strategy, which was approved and launched earlier in 2020, sets out our commitment to achieving this through both internal activities such as replacing fleet vehicles with ultra low emission vehicles, and our work with partners.”

“The policy also identifies ways in which procurement can improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of East Lothian by linking to local improvement actions set out in the Local Area Partnerships’ Area Plans. This will involve the inclusion of specific clauses where appropriate within contracts known as community benefits clauses (CBCs) and will enable us to obtain tangible benefits where possible to support our local communities.”

“It is clear during the current pandemic how important is the continuity and delivery of local services. This will be considerably strengthened by the adoption of sustainable procurement practices that will benefit our local communities whilst also minimising damage to the environment.”

The Sustainable Procurement Policy has been developed with input and feedback from Zero Waste Scotland through their capacity building mentoring programme undertaken by ProCirc, a European consortium of 11 partners, representing both public authorities and research institutes.

The council will undertake regular assessment and monitor progress against the resulting Action Plan. The Sustainable Procurement Policy, Best Practice Guidance and Action Plan will be reviewed (and updated) where appropriate, on an annual basis.

Published: Tuesday, 10th November 2020