What we buy and who we buy from has a significant influence on our environmental footprint and the broader transition to a low carbon society. From construction materials and laboratory consumables to office supplies and catering, purchasing decisions affect emissions, resource use and waste generation throughout the value chain. Embedding climate, biodiversity and circular economy principles in procurement processes ensures that the University can minimise negative environmental impacts.
As a large, complex institution, ANU recognises its responsibility to use its purchasing power thoughtfully. By embedding sustainability into procurement and supplier relationships, we can reduce negative environmental impacts, support circular economy outcomes and encourage more sustainable practices across the value chain.
See highlights from our goods and services work below or explore our progress in our various reports and publications.
Our approach
The University is integrating sustainability into purchasing decisions by mapping climate risk and biodiversity impacts across the supply chain.
Procurement activities will support reduced consumption, reuse and recycling and encourage partnerships with suppliers that demonstrate environmental and social responsibility. Understanding the environmental impact of our suppliers will be guided by metrics outlined in the Global Reporting Initiative 308: Supplier Environmental Assessment. Where appropriate, approaches align with the Australian Government Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy.
Key focus areas include:
- Embedding sustainability in procurement policy and practice to ensure environmental considerations are integrated into all stages of purchasing.
- Supporting circular economy outcomes and reducing emissions in goods and services through responsible purchasing and material efficiency.
- Engaging with the ANU community, tenants and suppliers to promote responsible consumption and continuous improvement.
Our goal
Reduce environmental impacts of procured goods and services, including impacts on climate and biodiversity.
Our targets
- Enhance reporting of climate risk and other environmental sustainability impacts across supply chains by 2030.
- Embed and implement climate risk and other environmental sustainability considerations across supply chains by 2030.
- Embed and implement environmental sustainability considerations across the University’s tenancy agreements by 2030.
Our progress
ANU is building the foundations needed to better understand and reduce the environmental impacts of goods and services across the University. This includes improving procurement data, strengthening sustainability requirements for suppliers and aligning purchasing practices with Commonwealth guidance.
Practical tools are already supporting lower-impact choices across campus. Our Carbon Smart Events Guide support staff and students to plan events that reduce emissions, minimise waste and prioritise sustainable catering, materials and logistics. Our Be Bin Smart Toolkit supports better waste sorting and resource recovery, making it easier to reduce landfill from day-to-day activities, events and shared spaces.
Alongside these initiatives, work is underway to improve visibility of supply chain emissions and other environmental impacts, supported by stronger reporting and supplier engagement. As these systems mature, we will be better positioned to set clear emissions reduction targets for goods and services and track progress over time.
Our progress is reviewed regularly and published through various reports and publications.
Carbon Smart Events Guide
Easily reduce environmental impacts associated with your event using our practical tips and advice.
Find out more
Be Bin Smart Toolkit
Implement smarter waste disposal and circular economy practices no matter where you are or what you are doing on campus.
Find out moreANU staff or student? Join the ANU Green Network.
Stay up to date on sustainability at ANU.
