12.2.8
Minimisation Policies Extended to Suppliers and Supply Chain
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that the University of Thessaly’s waste and disposable minimisation principles extend beyond internal operations to include suppliers, contractors, and partners across the full supply chain. This Policy promotes sustainable procurement and circular economy practices in all purchases — from stationery and office supplies to construction, equipment, and research materials.
2. Scope
This Policy applies to all suppliers and contractors engaged by the University of Thessaly for the provision of: equipment and laboratory materials, stationery and printed materials, building and renovation works, catering and facility services, furniture and infrastructure, and any other goods or services involving packaging, transportation, or material consumption.
3. Legal and Institutional Context
This Policy aligns with: Law 4736/2020 (ΦΕΚ Α’ 200/20.10.2020); Law 4819/2021 (Circular Economy and Waste Management); Law 4412/2016 (Public Procurement and Environmental Clauses); EU Directive 2019/904 (Single-Use Plastics Directive); EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020); and UN SDGs 11, 12, and 13.
4. Policy Statement
- All suppliers and contractors must comply with the University’s Minimisation of Plastic Use (Policy #100) and Minimisation of Disposable Items (Policy #101).
2. Suppliers shall adopt environmentally sustainable manufacturing, packaging, and delivery methods.
3. Preference shall be given to suppliers offering reusable, recyclable, compostable, or sustainably sourced materials.
4. Equipment and building materials must meet recognised environmental standards (e.g., EU Ecolabel, ISO 14001, FSC, Energy Star).
5. All packaging supplied to the University must be recyclable or returnable; excessive packaging is prohibited.
6. Stationery and printed materials must prioritise recycled content and avoid plastic coatings or lamination.
7. Construction contractors shall minimise material waste and ensure the reuse of excavated or surplus materials where possible.
8. Suppliers must provide evidence of sustainability compliance (certifications, environmental statements, or audit results).
9. The Procurement Office shall integrate sustainability criteria in tender evaluations and supplier performance reviews.
10. Non-compliance with these sustainability requirements may result in suspension or exclusion from future contracts.
5. Implementation and Responsibilities
– The Vice Rector of Finance and Administrative Affairs oversees the policy implementation.
– The Procurement Office enforces the integration of sustainability clauses into all supplier contracts.
– The Facilities and Technical Services departments monitor compliance in construction and renovation projects.
– The Environmental Health and Safety Office conducts periodic audits and reports findings.
6. Monitoring and Review
Supplier compliance will be assessed annually through sustainability audits, procurement reviews, and waste reduction reports. This Policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or sooner, in line with regulatory or strategic updates.
7. Related Documents / References
Law 4736/2020;
Law 4819/2021;
Law 4412/2016;
EU Directive 2019/904;
EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020);
UN SDGs 11, 12, 13.