Sustainable Procurement and Purchasing Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and sustainability in its procurement practices. This Sustainable Procurement and Purchasing Policy governs all purchasing activities within the university, ensuring they are conducted ethically, efficiently, and in alignment with the institution's strategic objectives, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The University recognizes procurement as a key driver of corporate social responsibility and institutional sustainability. Therefore, all purchasing decisions shall integrate environmental protection, social equity, economic efficiency, and responsible governance considerations.

The University prioritizes:

• Purchasing from local and regional suppliers where feasible to support the Palestinian economy and reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.

• Procuring environmentally preferable goods and services, including recycled, recyclable, energy-efficient, low-carbon, and low-toxicity products.

• Promoting ethical supply chains that respect human rights, labor standards, and fair-trade principles.

• Applying life-cycle thinking to reduce waste, emissions, and long-term environmental impacts.

All purchases made on behalf of the University must comply with this policy to support its mission of excellence in education, research, innovation, and community engagement.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure that all sourcing, procurement, and supply chain activities are conducted in an ethical, transparent, accountable, and sustainable manner.

• Guarantee that public and institutional funds are managed prudently through fair and competitive procurement processes.

• Embed environmental, social, and economic sustainability criteria into procurement decisions.

• Reduce the University’s carbon footprint through responsible purchasing and supplier selection.

• Promote circular economy practices, including reuse, refurbishment, recycling, and responsible disposal.

• Encourage procurement from local businesses, SMEs, minority-owned enterprises, and socially responsible suppliers.

• Support green building practices by prioritizing sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient systems.

• Strengthen supplier engagement through sustainability standards and performance expectations.

Scope

This policy applies to all goods, works, and services procured by An-Najah National University, including outsourced suppliers, contractors, consultants, equipment providers, stationery suppliers, ICT vendors, laboratory suppliers, catering services, and construction contractors.

It encompasses all stages of procurement:

• Needs assessment and specification development

• Supplier selection and tendering

• Contract award and supplier management

• Product use and maintenance

• End-of-life management and asset disposal

This policy applies to all university units, faculties, research centers, projects, and affiliated entities.

Principles

Procurement at An-Najah National University is guided by the following principles:

1. Fairness, Transparency, and Accountability

All procurement activities shall ensure open competition, equal opportunity, documented evaluation criteria, and transparent decision-making processes.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

The University shall comply with all applicable national legislation, funding agency regulations, trade agreements, and internal governance frameworks.

3. Sustainability and Resource Optimization

Procurement decisions shall incorporate:

• Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA)

• Triple bottom line assessment (economic, social, environmental impact)

• Carbon footprint considerations

• Energy efficiency standards

• Preference for certified sustainable products (e.g., energy-efficient equipment, recycled materials, eco-labeled goods)

The University will prioritize:

• Energy-efficient appliances and systems

• Low-emission and low-carbon products

• Sustainable construction materials

• Digital solutions to reduce paper consumption

• Water-efficient equipment

• Reduced packaging and plastic-free alternatives

4. Ethical Standards and Responsible Supply Chains

The University expects suppliers to:

• Adhere to ethical labor standards

• Avoid forced or child labor

• Promote safe working conditions

• Comply with environmental regulations

• Demonstrate commitment to sustainability practices

Conflicts of interest shall be actively prevented and transparently managed.

5. Innovation and Continuous Improvement

The University will continuously improve procurement practices by:

• Adopting digital procurement systems

• Monitoring sustainability performance indicators

• Benchmarking against international best practices

• Integrating ESG metrics into procurement evaluation

6. Diversity, Inclusion, and Local Economic Development

The University promotes inclusive procurement by encouraging participation of:

• Local suppliers and SMEs

• Minority-owned businesses

• Social enterprises

• Women-led enterprises

Local sourcing will be prioritized where quality and value-for-money criteria are met, supporting national economic resilience.

Responsibilities

Director of Purchasing Services

The Director is responsible for:

• Administering and enforcing this policy

• Integrating sustainability criteria into tender documents

• Establishing supplier sustainability evaluation mechanisms

• Monitoring compliance and reporting performance indicators

• Ensuring alignment with institutional sustainability strategies

Purchasing Services

Purchasing Services shall:

• Collaborate with departments to define sustainable specifications

• Include environmental and social criteria in supplier selection

• Conduct life-cycle cost assessments where applicable

• Encourage framework agreements with sustainable suppliers

• Maintain records of sustainable procurement indicators

• Promote reuse and redistribution of surplus assets internally before disposal

Disposal of surplus assets shall follow circular economy principles, prioritizing:

1. Reallocation within the University

2. Donation

3. Refurbishment

4. Recycling

5. Responsible disposal as a last resort

University Faculty and Staff

All faculty and staff members are responsible for:

• Ensuring their purchases comply with this policy

• Considering environmental and social impacts in purchasing decisions

• Avoiding unnecessary consumption

• Supporting digital and paperless processes where possible

E-Commerce and Low-Value Purchases

Commercial cards and digital purchasing platforms shall be used responsibly and must comply with sustainability and financial governance standards.

Restricted Goods and Services

Restricted items requiring technical or environmental review must comply with internal standards and sustainability criteria prior to approval.

Review and Monitoring

This policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with:

• Institutional sustainability strategies

• ESG standards

• National and international regulations

The University will:

• Monitor sustainable procurement performance indicators

• Track local sourcing rates

• Assess carbon impact reduction measures

• Report procurement-related sustainability progress in institutional reports

Continuous improvement mechanisms will be implemented to enhance sustainable purchasing performance.

Effective Date: October 12, 2016
Revised & Strengthened: June 20, 2025