Sustainable procurement

We're increasing our commitment to procurement that supports environmental sustainability.

In 2019, we declared a Climate Emergency and committed to a Net Zero by 2035 target for our greenhouse gas emissions. These steps have far-reaching implications for our supply chain, and the choices we make in procuring goods and services have a direct impact on our environment.

Council’s procurement of Goods and Services represents the majority of our operational greenhouse gas emissions. We are now committed to working with businesses who support us to meet our 2035 Net Zero target and other environmental sustainability goals.

Environmental sustainability is embedded in Council’s Procurement Policy and is actively considered across all levels of procurement, from everyday purchases through to major tenders. Our staff are encouraged to seek out and favour solutions that reduce environmental impact and contribute to Council’s sustainability objectives.

Going forward, Council will prioritise working with businesses who can demonstrate that they are:

• Taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of becoming certified Net Zero (e.g. purchase of 100% renewable electricity, switching to electric vehicles).
• Using sustainable or recycled materials and products (e.g. recycled and/or locally sourced materials, use of products with Environmental Product Declarations).
• Minimising waste to landfill, which is consistent with our commitment to ‘Halve Waste’.
• Prioritising environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles.
• Minimising other environmental impacts (e.g. water conservation, biodiversity protection).
• Implementing other sustainability initiatives in the workplace (e.g. staff training).

We’ve started including stronger environmental sustainability requirements in our tender documents, not just to lift our own performance, but to help drive positive change throughout our supply chain.

Join us in this important venture towards a greener, more sustainable Indigo Shire.

Sustainable procurement is one of many climate actions we're taking at Council and in our community. Discover more about our commitment by visiting our dedicated platform for tracking and reporting on our climate actions, Our Climate Action.