Policy Statement
The University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) is committed to integrating sustainable practices into its purchasing and procurement processes. In alignment with national public procurement regulations and our responsibility as a public institution, this policy promotes the acquisition of goods and services that are environmentally, socially, and economically responsible. Our goal is to foster sustainable development, support local businesses, and minimize the environmental impact of our operations.

Scope
This policy applies to all academic and administrative departments of the University of Tunis El Manar involved in the procurement of goods, services, and works. It covers all procurement activities undertaken by the university, including the purchasing of materials, supplies, construction projects, and consultancy services.

Objectives

1. To prioritize environmentally sustainable products and services in all procurement activities.
2. To ensure that purchases are made from vendors that adhere to social and ethical responsibility standards.
3. To encourage local and regional businesses’ participation in university procurement, contributing to the growth of the local economy.
4. To continuously evaluate and improve the socio-economic and environmental impacts of procurement decisions.
5. To raise awareness and integrate sustainability principles into the university’s purchasing practices.
6. To lead by example in demonstrating best practices in sustainable procurement to staff, suppliers, and the wider community.

Guiding Principles

1. Environmental Responsibility
   • Prioritize the selection of products and services with low environmental impact.
   • Encourage the use of eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and recyclable materials.
   • Support the reduction of waste, including packaging and single-use items, through sustainable procurement practices.
   • Ensure that products and services are disposed of or recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.
2. Social Responsibility
   • Ensure the products and services procured adhere to fair labor practices and respect human rights.
   • Support the inclusion of marginalized or disadvantaged groups in procurement opportunities.
   • Uphold ethical sourcing standards and ensure that vendors comply with relevant social responsibility guidelines.
3. Economic Responsibility
   • Focus on long-term value for money, considering the full life cycle costs of goods and services.
   • Evaluate the economic benefits of procuring from local and regional suppliers, thereby contributing to a stronger local economy.
   • Prioritize products and services that offer high efficiency and durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
4. Support for Local and Regional Businesses
   • Encourage procurement from local and regional businesses to promote regional development and reduce environmental impacts associated with long-distance transportation.
   • Prioritize collaborations with companies that contribute to sustainable practices and innovation in their sectors.

Implementation Strategies

1. Procurement Criteria
   • All procurement activities will include criteria that evaluate the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of potential suppliers and products.
   • Suppliers must demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, including the use of eco-friendly materials, waste reduction practices, and social responsibility policies.
2. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement
   • Regular assessments of the environmental and socio-economic impact of procurement decisions will be conducted to ensure continuous improvement.
   • Feedback from staff and suppliers will be incorporated to refine the purchasing process and promote the adoption of sustainable practices.
3. Training and Awareness
   • University staff involved in procurement will receive regular training on sustainable purchasing practices, ethical considerations, and the importance of responsible sourcing.
   • Awareness campaigns will be organized to educate the broader university community on the significance of sustainable procurement.
4. Supplier Engagement
   • UTM will work closely with suppliers to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices in the supply chain.
   • Suppliers will be invited to participate in sustainability initiatives, including reducing their environmental impact and improving working conditions for their employees.

Compliance and Monitoring

• All procurement decisions must comply with the relevant national regulations and international standards on sustainable procurement, including the Tunisian Public Procurement Code (https://www.droit-afrique.com/uploads/Tunisie-Code-marches-publics-2014.pdf).
• The University will implement monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with this policy and its objectives. Performance indicators related to sustainability will be tracked and reported on a regular basis.

Conclusion
By adopting this Sustainable Purchasing and Procurement Policy, the University of Tunis El Manar demonstrates its commitment to responsible procurement practices that support environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic development. This policy will guide our purchasing activities, ensuring that they contribute to a sustainable future for the university, its stakeholders, and the wider community.

References

• Public Procurement Code of Tunisia
• Decree 2014-1039 of March 13, 2014, on public procurement regulations in Tunisia.
• Decree n°2012-515 of June 2, 2012, amending Decree 2002-3158 of December 17, 2002, on public procurement regulations.
• Decree n°2011-623 of May 23, 2011, specific provisions for public procurement regulations in Tunisia.
• Decree 2002-3158 of December 17, 2002, on public procurement regulations, as amended and supplemented by Decree n°2003-1638 of August 4, 2003; Decree n°2004-2551 of November 2, 2004; Decree n°2006-2167 of August 10, 2006; Decree n°2007-1329 of June 4, 2007; Decree n°2008-561 of March 4, 2008; Decree n°2008-2471 of July 5, 2008; Decree n°2008-3505 of November 21, 2008; and Decree n°2009-3018 of October 19, 2009.