Responsible Procurement

UEA aims to ensure its procurement and purchasing processes enable achieving the highest value for money coupled with benefits for the wider society and the economy while minimising environmental impacts. We look beyond the upfront purchase price and consider not just environmental but also social and economic factors in purchasing decisions.

For UEA to work sustainably we must meet the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

You may hear Responsible Procurement referred to in a number of ways, including sustainable procurement, ESG considerations (Environmental, Social and Governance), triple bottom line (People, Profit and Planet) and Three Pillars of Sustainability (SEE - Social, Economic, Environmental).

Modern Slavery

Modern Slavery is an umbrella term for the most serious violations related to work exploitation.

Human Rights due diligence and Modern Slavery are a critical issue in supply chains and in a significant amount of the goods we purchase and the services we receive, both in commercial purchasing as well as every day personal purchasing. Abuse of Human Rights in the supply chain is sadly easy and lucrative in many parts of the world.

Sustainability & Net Zero

Over 60% of an organisation's carbon emissions are generated through the goods and services we purchase. To minimise our impact and help the University to achieve its NetZero ambitions, it is critical that we give serious consideration to everything we buy.

Further information can be found within the UEA Sustainability web page – Wider goals are to be net zero by 2045