21 March 2014

Council offers helping hand to suppliers

With Waikato Regional Council committed to purchasing in a way that enhances sustainability, all existing and potential suppliers are being invited to a Sustainable Procurement Event.

Purchasing sustainably means choosing suppliers to enhance environmental as well as social, cultural and economic outcomes. For example, council vehicle purchases take into account fuel efficiency.

The Sustainable Procurement Event, in Hamilton on Wednesday 9 April, is an opportunity for suppliers to learn about the sustainability criteria the council considers in its purchasing decisions, and how to meet these.

Chief executive Vaughan Payne said: “In line with our mission of working with others to build a Waikato that has a healthy environment, a strong economy and vibrant communities, the council is demonstrating leadership in sustainable purchasing.

“We’re proud that we consider sustainability in all of our purchasing, and encourage and support our suppliers to display sustainable practices.

“By meeting our sustainability criteria, businesses put themselves ahead of their competitors. This can help them to win contracts with other customers,” Mr Payne said.

The event includes stalls from a variety of sustainability practitioners and eco-accreditation bodies, short presentations from sustainability programme providers, and several Waikato businesses that have successfully completed these programmes.

There will be speakers from Waikato Management School, Fulton Hogan, Dori Media and Orbit Travel.

Council sustainable business advisor Anna D’Arcy said sustainable procurement practices were becoming increasingly important for many organisations.

“I think increasingly suppliers will need to demonstrate how their products and services contribute towards sustainability and the council is helping take a lead on this nationally.”

The Sustainable Procurement Event is from 9 am to 1.30 pm. Please RSVP to megan.pritchard@waikatoregion.govt.nz or freephone 0800 800 401 by 28 March.

ENDS

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