Decision details

Approval of the draft policy.

42.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.

DECISIONS

42.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

(1) Review and approve the County Council’s adoption of the Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

(2) Delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to review the policy annually and update it in light of relevant changes, to ensure the policy remains fit for purpose.

REASONS

42.3     The Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy set out in Appendix 1 of the report aims to improve the environmental considerations built into the core delivery of goods, works and services that the Council procures.

42.4     Having declared a climate emergency and published both the East Sussex Environment Strategy and the Climate Emergency Plan, this policy supports the net zero targets of the Council and will aim to embed environmental sustainability, such as increases to East Sussex’s biodiversity and reducing waste, into procurement decisions. 

42.5     This policy will prepare prospective suppliers for the environmental considerations and expectations that will be implemented into the Council’s future contracts.

42.6     Increasing environmental considerations across the Council’s procurement activity presents a significant opportunity to influence a reduction in carbon emissions across the Council’s services.