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Table 2 Sustainability purchasing practices in the Newcastle University purchasing function, applying the benchmark tool by Björklund [11] (source: this study)

From: Exploring the relationship between urban freight demand and the purchasing behaviour of a University

No

Sustainable purchasing practices

Newcastle University (purchasing function)

1

The use of Code of Conduct

Yes for contract suppliers and large tenders (compulsory); but No for low value transactional suppliers.

2

Internal training and education

No

3

Integrate corporate social responsibility in management

A little; mainly in catering contracts; it is a priority to expand this.

4

Report the corporate social responsibility performance

No

5

Monitor suppliers

Yes for large suppliers and contract suppliers. Monitored using CIPS* Sustainability Index.

6

Draw up improvement plans

No, but see no 3 above

7

Reject suppliers

Not yet but haven’t had cause to, rather than not looking to do this.

8

Educate/inform/support suppliers

No

9

Use rewards for compliance

Yes supplier awards scheme

10

Suppliers collaboration

No

11

Restructuring relationship

No

  1. *Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (www.cips.org)