Policies

1. Purpose

Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) is committed to embedding sustainability into all procurement decisions. This strategy provides the framework for ensuring that every purchase of goods, services, and works contributes positively to environmental, social, and economic (ESG) outcomes.

This strategy supports the university’s core academic and operational goals, aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reinforces NSTU's role as a leader in responsible management. Through this strategy, NSTU will minimize negative impacts, optimize resource efficiency, promote ethical supply chains, and support sustainable regional development.

2. Scope

This strategy applies to all procurement activities undertaken by or on behalf of Noakhali Science and Technology University. It governs all staff, faculty, students, contractors, and third-party entities involved in the specification, selection, or purchase of goods, services, and works. This includes, but is not limited to, administrative, academic, research, operational, and construction-related procurement, as well as outsourced services and campus facilities management.

3. Guiding Principles

All procurement activities at NSTU shall be guided by the following core principles:

3.1 Environmental Responsibility

Prioritizing purchases that minimize environmental harm and conserve resources. This includes:

• Considering the full life cycle (Total Cost of Ownership), from production to disposal.
• Preferring energy- and water-efficient equipment (e.g., EPEAT certified).
• Sourcing products with high recycled content, minimal packaging, and clear end-of-life options (reusable, recyclable, or compostable).
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

3.2 Social Responsibility

Ensuring procurement decisions support human rights, ethical labor, and community well-being. This includes:

• Upholding fair labor practices and safe working conditions throughout the supply chain.
• Prohibiting the use of suppliers linked to child labor, forced labor, or human rights abuses.
• Promoting supplier diversity, including local, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses where feasible.

3.3 Economic Sustainability

Maximizing value for the university while supporting a resilient and ethical economy. This includes:

• Evaluating whole-life costs (Total Cost of Ownership) rather than just the initial purchase price.
• Prioritizing goods that are durable, high-quality, repairable, and not designed for obsolescence.
• Supporting local and regional suppliers to foster community economic development.

3.4 Transparency & Accountability

Maintaining a procurement process that is open, fair, and documented.

• Ensuring all sustainability criteria and weightings are clearly stated in tender documents.
• Maintaining clear records to demonstrate compliance and track performance.

3.5 Continuous Improvement

Regularly reviewing and enhancing procurement practices to reflect evolving regulations, technologies, and best practices, ensuring NSTU remains a leader in sustainable procurement.

4. Governance & Responsibilities

4.1 Heads of Departments, Deans, and Directors

Accountable for ensuring their departments' procurement requests are compliant with this strategy. They are responsible for promoting awareness and ensuring staff have a clear understanding of these principles.

4.2 Central Procurement Office / Committees

Responsible for the operational implementation of this strategy. This includes integrating environmental, social, and economic criteria into all tender documents, supplier evaluations, and contracts.

4.3 Sustainability Office

Responsible for providing expert guidance, monitoring the implementation of the strategy, tracking progress against KPIs, and reporting outcomes to university leadership.

4.4 All NSTU Community Members (Staff, Faculty, Students)

Are expected to adhere to this strategy and consider the sustainability implications of all purchase requests and departmental spending.

5. Implementation Strategies

NSTU will translate these principles into action through the following strategies:

5.1 Procurement Process Integration

Sustainability criteria (environmental, social, and economic) will be formally embedded into all procurement documentation, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), tenders, and quotations. These criteria will be weighted appropriately in the supplier evaluation process.

5.2 Supplier Engagement & Code of Conduct

NSTU will maintain a Supplier Code of Conduct that outlines the university's minimum expectations for environmental, social, and ethical performance. This Code will be communicated to all new and existing suppliers and will form a part of all major contracts.

5.3 Circular Economy Principles

The university will prioritize circular procurement practices, including:

• Preferring reusable, repairable, and refurbished items over single-use alternatives.
• Minimizing all forms of packaging.
• Implementing and promoting take-back or refurbishment schemes with suppliers, especially for electronics and furniture.

5.4 Specific Procurement Guidelines

To provide clear direction, the university will develop and maintain specific guidelines for high-impact categories. These include:

5.4.1 Guideline: Aquatic Food Products

In alignment with SDG 14 (Life Below Water), NSTU requires that all canteens, caterers, and outsourced food providers procure fish and other aquatic products exclusively from sustainable and verified sources where applicable.

• Suppliers must adhere to all national fisheries regulations, including restrictions on harvesting juvenile fish, compliance with seasonal fishing bans, and the use of approved gear.
• Preference is given to suppliers who source from sustainable aquaculture systems that minimize pressure on natural ecosystems.
• Vendors must maintain documentary evidence confirming lawful and sustainable sourcing, subject to university review.

5.4.2 Guideline: Electronics and E-Waste

All electronic equipment (computers, monitors, printers) must meet high environmental standards. Suppliers will be required to provide end-of-life take-back or certified recycling options.

5.4.3 Guideline: Single-Use Plastics & Disposables

The procurement of single-use plastics (e.g., plastic cutlery, straws, non-essential bags) and polystyrene (Styrofoam) for campus-run operations is prohibited. All food service providers must use compostable or reusable alternatives.

5.5 Training & Awareness

The Procurement Office and Sustainability Office will co-develop and deliver regular training for procurement staff, departmental heads, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a clear understanding and adoption of these practices.

6. Monitoring & Reporting

The Sustainability Office, in partnership with the Procurement Office, will track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the strategy's effectiveness.

These KPIs may include:

• Percentage of total spend that meets defined sustainability criteria.
• Number of local or diverse suppliers engaged.
• Measured reduction in packaging waste, e-waste, and emissions.
• Percentage of major suppliers who have signed the Supplier Code of Conduct.

An annual report on sustainable procurement performance will be prepared for university leadership.

7. Compliance & Enforcement

All university procurement must adhere to this strategy. The Central Procurement Office reserves the right to challenge or reject requisitions and purchase orders that are in clear violation of these principles. Departments repeatedly failing to comply may be subject to review by university governance bodies.

8. Legal & Related Framework

This strategy is aligned with national laws (e.g., Public Procurement Act 2006, Public Procurement Rules 2008) and complements other NSTU strategies, including anti-corruption, sustainable investment, and staff/student welfare policies.

9. Review and Amendment

The first two years of this strategy (2024–2026) are regarded as a proposed and adaptive phase, during which amendments may be made based on practical experience and campus awareness needs. The final version will be adopted in 2026, following review and stakeholder consultation. Until then, this proposed version remains fully applicable and enforceable.