Sustainable Procurement Guidance for Schools

Sustainable procurement ensures that schools purchase goods and services in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective way, aligning with the UK Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Procurement Policy Note 06/21 (Taking Account of Carbon Reduction Plans in Major Government Contracts), and the Procurement Act 2023.

The Procurement Act 2023 introduces new legal requirements for public sector procurement, including schools, with a focus on transparency, social value, and sustainability. Schools should ensure procurement decisions align with this legislation by prioritising suppliers who demonstrate carbon reduction commitments and sustainable practices.

Key Principles of Sustainable Procurement

Buy Responsibly

Choose suppliers with strong sustainability credentials and environmental policies.

Ethical Sourcing

Work with suppliers that adhere to fair labour practices and ethical production.

Reduce Waste

Prioritise durable, reusable, and recyclable products to minimise waste.

Support Local Suppliers

Reduce carbon emissions from transportation by sourcing goods and services locally.

 Energy Efficiency

Select energy-efficient equipment and materials to reduce long-term emissions and costs.

Lifecycle Thinking

Consider the entire lifecycle of a product, from production to disposal, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Sustainable Procurement in Practice

 Stationery & Office Supplies

  • Opt for recycled or FSC-certified paper.

  • Use refillable pens and non-toxic markers.

  • Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.

Furniture & Classroom Equipment

  • Purchase furniture made from sustainable or recycled materials.

  • Refurbish and reuse existing furniture before buying new.

  • Check suppliers’ environmental policies before procurement.

Energy & IT Equipment

  • Choose energy-efficient computers, printers, and lighting (e.g., Energy Star-rated products).

  • Implement device reuse and recycling schemes.

  • Ensure suppliers offer responsible disposal for end-of-life electronics.

Cleaning & Maintenance Products

  • Specify that your cleaning contractor meets with your climate action plan requirements.

  • Use eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products.

  • Avoid single-use plastics in packaging.

  • Encourage water and energy conservation in cleaning practices.

School Meals & Catering

  • Specify that your catering contractor meets with your climate action plan requirements.

  • Source local, seasonal, and organic food where possible.

  • Reduce food waste through portion control and composting.

  • Avoid single-use plastics—switch to biodegradable or reusable alternatives

Lifecycle Thinking

  • Encourage walking, cycling, and public transport for students and staff.

  • Choose low-emission or electric minibuses for school transport.

  • Work with suppliers that use low-carbon logistics.

Monitoring & Measuring Impact

  • Work with suppliers to track environmental performance.

  • Engage students and staff in eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling programs and sustainability challenges.

  • Establish a green procurement policy and train staff in sustainable purchasing.

Taking Action

Schools can take practical steps to measure, reduce, and offset their carbon footprint. Your Sustainability Leads will capture information and report on progress through your Climate Action Plan. Engaging students, staff, and parents in sustainability initiatives fosters a culture of responsibility and environmental awareness.

By addressing emissions across all three scopes and following sustainable procurement practices in alignment with the Procurement Act 2023, schools can make significant progress in their decarbonisation journey while supporting national climate goals.