Redeemer’s University Policy on Minimisation of Disposable Items and Supplier Compliance

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Purpose

Redeemer’s University is committed to embedding sustainability across its operations and ensuring that its environmental principles extend beyond the campus to all outsourced services and supply-chain partners.

This policy aims to minimise disposable and single-use items, particularly plastics, across all external partnerships and procurement processes. It ensures that every contractor, supplier, and service provider engaged with Redeemer’s University aligns with its sustainability goals and operates according to ethical, environmental, and social responsibility standards.



Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All outsourced service providers including catering, cleaning, security, landscaping, and facility maintenance contractors.
  • All suppliers and vendors, providing goods or materials such as food, stationery, laboratory supplies, building materials, and event items.
  • All university departments engaged in procurement, supply, or vendor management.
  • Any research projects, grants, or community initiatives implemented in partnership with third-party organisations.


Policy Statement

Redeemer’s University requires that all outsourced services, suppliers, and contractors demonstrate a commitment to minimising waste and disposable item use, in accordance with university and environmental standards.

  1. Extension of Minimisation Policies to Outsourced Services
    • All service providers operating on campus (e.g. catering, canteens, cleaning, or maintenance) must eliminate single-use items where reusable or recyclable alternatives exist.
    • Catering vendors must prioritise reusable dishware, cutlery, and biodegradable packaging for all services within the university.
    • Cleaning and maintenance contractors must reduce use of single-use plastics and disposable protective materials in favour of durable, washable, and refillable equipment.
    • Waste segregation and recycling requirements established by the university must be followed by all third-party operators.
    • Any new service contract must include sustainability clauses mandating waste minimisation and regular reporting on environmental compliance.
  2. Extension of Minimisation Policies to Suppliers
    • All suppliers of goods (e.g. office supplies, laboratory equipment, food, and construction materials) must adhere to Redeemer’s procurement standards for environmental responsibility, including reduction of plastic packaging and disposable materials.
    • Preference is given to local and regional suppliers who demonstrate sustainable sourcing practices and reduced transport-related emissions.
    • Building contractors must source materials from sustainable or recycled sources, ensuring minimal environmental impact in construction and renovation projects.
    • Suppliers must submit documentation confirming compliance with national waste management laws and any environmental certification held
    • Procurement processes must include evaluation of supplier sustainability performance, which will be reviewed annually by the Procurement and Sustainability Committees.
  3. Supply Chain Accountability
    • All suppliers and contractors are required to align their operations with Redeemer’s Ethical Sourcing Policy and Waste Disposal Guidelines, ensuring consistency across the supply chain.
    • Failure to comply with waste minimisation standards may result in contract review, suspension, or termination.
    • The university encourages long-term partnerships with suppliers who demonstrate innovation in waste reduction, biodegradable materials, or zero-waste operations.
    • Vendors are urged to educate their own employees about plastic and disposable item reduction as part of a wider community sustainability goal.


University Responsibility

To ensure successful implementation of this policy, Redeemer’s University shall:

  • Integrate sustainability compliance checks into all procurement and contract approval processes.
  • Provide training and guidance for outsourced service providers and suppliers to transition to sustainable alternatives.
  • Conduct annual supplier audits to monitor adherence to waste minimisation standards and environmental policies.
  • Maintain a Green Procurement Register, listing vendors and contractors that meet the university’s environmental benchmarks.
  • Facilitate collaboration between the Office of Procurement, Facilities Management, and the Centre for Environmental Studies to track progress and produce annual sustainability reports.
  • Work with national partners such as the Federal Ministry of Environment, ACEWATER, and Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) for alignment with national waste reduction frameworks.


Conclusion

Redeemer’s University firmly believes that sustainability does not end at the university gate. By extending waste minimisation policies to its outsourced services and supply-chain partners, the institution strengthens its commitment to environmental protection, responsible consumption, and ethical procurement.

Through this policy, Redeemer’s University not only fosters an eco-conscious operational culture but also inspires other institutions to adopt holistic, supply-chain-wide approaches to sustainability.

This policy will be reviewed biennially, with the last review conducted in 2023, ensuring that Redeemer’s University remains aligned with emerging best practices in sustainable procurement and waste minimisation.

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