Commitment and Ethos

Procurement Policy

1. POLICY

1.1 Access

RHA defines social justice as the removal of disadvantage so that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate. Access will be taken into consideration in all aspects of building management, including the procurement of furniture and equipment and the engagement of services.

Specifically, Ross House is committed to ensuring that furniture and equipment purchased fulfils the access needs of staff and visitors with different vision, hearing and mobility needs, with reference to the most up to date standards for PWD (People with Disability) and the Australian Standards for Equal Access 1428, including the purchase of the following furniture and equipment wherever possible:

• furniture that contrasts in colour with surrounds
• furniture that does not obscure the visual field of people using different mobility aids
• height adjustable furniture
• larger print signage
• Braille signage
• computers and software that work with a range of adaptive technology
• telephones with volume control and compatibility with hearing aid and cochlear implant t-switches

1.2 Green and Ethical Procurement

RHA recognises the environmental impact created by our organisation. Environmental impact will be taken into consideration at all stages of operation, including the purchase of office supplies, furniture and equipment, and the engagement of trades and services.

Specifically, Ross House is committed to the procurement of:

• only 100% post-consumer recycled copy paper
• only 100% post-consumer recycled stationary and envelopes
• only 100% post-consumer recycled toilet paper and paper cleaning products
• rechargeable batteries
• bio-degradable chemical free cleaning products where this option is available
• certified organic products where this option is available
• energy rated equipment
• printing services that use 100% post-consumer recycled copy paper and vegetable based inks
• Green Power where energy savings allow for a rise in the percentage of Green Power purchased for the building
• Fair Trade and/or certified organic tea and coffee

Ross house will not procure any product that:

• is made from wood or woodchips from Australia’s native forests or threatened native forests overseas
• is made in a country with documented human rights abuses
• is made by a company with documented labour violations including paying employees below a living wage.

2. PROCEDURES

2.1 Access

The following steps for procurement will be followed:

• research products and suppliers prior to purchase or initiation of an agreement
• ensure that furniture and equipment purchased fulfils the access needs of staff and visitors with different vision, hearing and mobility needs, with reference to the most up to date standards for PWD (People with Disability) and the Australian Standards for Equal Access 1428.
• discuss major furniture and equipment purchases (over $1000) with the Occupational Health and Safety subcommittee to ensure that the access needs of all members have been taken into consideration.

2.2 Green and Ethical Procurement

The following steps for procurement will be followed:

• decide whether the product or service is necessary, aiming to reduce consumption and manage the demand placed on products/services within the organisation
• re-use furniture and equipment already in the building whenever possible
• purchase second hand furniture and equipment whenever possible.

If new products or services are required:

• research products and suppliers prior to purchasing or initiating an agreement
• prefer products with accreditation through approved labelling schemes:
  • Energy Rating (NAEEEP)
  • Environmental Choice Australia
  • Energy Star
  • Fair Trade
  • No Sweat
  • Australian Certified Organic
  • NAASA Certified Organic
• procure environmentally preferable products – those which reduce waste, take fewer natural resources to produce and are reusable and/or recyclable actively recycle consumables within the workplace including electronic waste
• prefer small business over large corporate manufacturers/franchises
• prefer local business over interstate and overseas manufacturers (reduced transport miles).
• prefer cooperatives and social enterprise over commercial business

This policy will be communicated to Ross House tenants and members along with information about suppliers and recyclers in order to encourage Green procurement throughout the building.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect the latest information on Green Procurement and ethical consumption.