Redeemer’s University Ethical Sourcing Policy (Food and Supplies)

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Purpose

Redeemer’s University is committed to advancing responsible consumption and production practices across its operations, guided by its core values of integrity, stewardship, and compassion. This Ethical Sourcing Policy establishes a framework to ensure that all food and supplies procured by the university are sourced in a responsible, sustainable, and transparent manner.

The policy ensures that all products and services acquired by the institution are obtained in ways that:

  • Protect the rights, health, and safety of all workers involved in their production
  • Minimize negative environmental and social impacts
  • Promote fair trade, ethical labour practices, and sustainable local economies.

Through this policy, Redeemer’s University reaffirms its commitment to promoting a supply chain that respects human dignity, supports equitable livelihoods, and contributes to the well-being of people and the planet.



Scope

This policy applies to all university procurement and sourcing activities, including:

  • The purchase of food, beverages, laboratory supplies, office equipment, and maintenance materials.
  • The selection and management of third-party vendors, service providers, and contractors.
  • Any outsourced activities that involve the supply, transport, or delivery of goods and materials on behalf of Redeemer’s University.

All university departments, colleges, administrative units, and affiliated entities are required to comply with this policy. The policy also extends to the Redeemer’s University Greenhouse Project and other sustainable production initiatives that support local food systems.



Policy Statement

Redeemer’s University pledges to source all food and supplies in a way that upholds ethical, social, and environmental standards.

To achieve this, the university commits to:

  1. Fair and Safe Labour Practices
    • Work exclusively with suppliers and contractors that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for human rights.
    • Prohibit child labour, forced labour, and human trafficking in all parts of its supply chain.
    • Encourage suppliers to uphold gender equity and provide equal opportunities for all workers.
  2. Environmental Sustainability
    • Prioritise products and services that are environmentally sustainable, energy efficient, and reduce the university’s carbon footprint.
    • Support suppliers that use recyclable, biodegradable, or sustainably sourced materials.
    • Integrate waste reduction measures in all stages of procurement, including minimizing packaging and single-use plastics.
  3. Local and Responsible Sourcing
    • Promote local and regional sourcing wherever feasible, to strengthen community economies and reduce environmental impact.
    • Highlight initiatives such as the Redeemer’s University Greenhouse Project, which produces fresh, sustainable food on campus and supports local food systems.
    • Partner with local farmers, vendors, and small-scale producers who demonstrate ethical labour and environmental standards.
  4. Supplier Accountability and Transparency
    • Require suppliers to adhere to a Supplier Code of Conduct that reflects Redeemer’s ethical and environmental expectations.
    • Conduct periodic supplier evaluations and request documentation verifying compliance with fair labour and sustainability standards.
    • Reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships with suppliers found in violation of these principles.
  5. Continuous Improvement
    • Commit to reviewing and updating sourcing standards regularly, in consultation with the Procurement Office, the Green Initiative Team, and relevant departments.
    • Encourage academic and student research projects that explore innovative approaches to sustainable procurement and ethical supply chains.


University Responsibility

Redeemer’s University bears institutional responsibility for ensuring that its sourcing and procurement activities reflect its ethical and sustainability goals.

The Procurement Unit, working in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability and the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, will:

  • Implement the provisions of this policy and monitor compliance;
  • Maintain a database of approved ethical suppliers;
  • Provide training for procurement officers and staff on sustainable purchasing practices;
  • Encourage suppliers to adopt living-wage policies and sustainability certifications;
  • Publish periodic reports detailing progress in ethical sourcing and supply chain sustainability.

The university will also integrate responsible procurement education into relevant academic programmes, reinforcing its commitment to community and global sustainability.



Requirements

All university purchases and contracts must:

The Procurement Unit, working in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability and the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, will:

  • Prioritise goods that are certified as fair trade, organic, or sustainably produced;
  • Reduce dependency on non-renewable materials and single-use plastics;
  • Include contractual clauses that prohibit exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and environmental degradation;
  • Document and report waste generated from supplied goods, especially packaging materials, with efforts to increase recycling and landfill diversion rates;
  • Engage suppliers in continuous improvement discussions regarding fair compensation and eco-friendly production practices.

Departments and procurement officers are expected to keep appropriate records of supplier compliance and share annual progress reports with the University’s Sustainability Office.



Conclusion

Redeemer’s University recognizes that every purchase decision has a social, economic, and environmental impact. Through this Ethical Sourcing Policy, the university ensures that all food and supplies procured reflect its faith-based commitment to fairness, stewardship, and sustainability.

By prioritising ethical suppliers, supporting local producers, and maintaining transparent supply chains, Redeemer’s University continues to model responsible consumption and production practices, fostering a culture of sustainability that benefits people, the planet, and future generations.

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