We’ve been working on ways to align our supply chain with our net zero commitments. Our new Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy covers three councils, including Brighton & Hove, and will affect £2.1 billion of spend every year.
The Policy & Resources committee agreed the policy on 6 October and will help us achieve our goal of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030.
The new policy will take into account environmental considerations such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising waste, protecting biodiversity, energy efficiency, and tackling the impacts of climate change.
Encouraging action
The new policy sets out the council’s environmental expectations for prospective suppliers, supporting them on their journey to net zero.
Where relevant and proportionate, Brighton & Hove City Council will allocate a default minimum of 10% of the quality criteria in tenders to environmental sustainability. However, the council will aim to increase this percentage where appropriate.
The policy will be monitored and reviewed as and when required, and at a minimum annually. As the council’s supply chain matures and is better able to achieve environmental goals, the council can set increasingly ambitious targets for suppliers to support our journey to net zero.
The council will also promote resources for micro, small and medium enterprises to access external support to adapt their business to climate change.
Working collaboratively
The new Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy has been co-developed by 3 local authorities: Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council and Surrey County Council.
Orbis Procurement is a public sector procurement service shared between the 3 councils to drive efficiencies, pool resources, and deliver greater value for money by increasing standardisation and removing duplication.
By working together to implement the new Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy, this collaborative approach will have a significant environmental impact across the 3 partner authorities.
Impact of supply chains
Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and chair of the Policy & Resources Committee, said:
“The climate crisis is one of the most urgent challenges that we face and we need to take action in all areas. Last year we established a programme to bring us on the journey to net zero.
“The council is directly responsible for less than 2% of the city’s emissions, but we want to make sure we are taking all action we can to reduce emissions and tackle climate change. This includes working with our suppliers to become more sustainable.
“Our new Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy will help ensure that suppliers in the many council contracts, join us on our journey to net zero.
“By working together, we will encourage and press suppliers and contractors to move faster to net zero commitments. This approach will encourage environmentally friendly practices and reward suppliers which are actively working to become carbon neutral.”