Title: Sustainable procurement: human rights and greenhouse gas emissions

Authors: William Young, Paul Costelloe, Lakshmi Kerr

Addresses: Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. ' School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. ' School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK

Abstract: This paper reports on research based on the University of Leeds| supply chain as part of its sustainable development programme. The research examines the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain and preventing human rights abuses by its suppliers. This paper is based on a case study of the University of Leeds and its suppliers using qualitative interviews combined with a quantitative questionnaire survey. This paper finds that suppliers have low awareness of labour rights and some awareness of greenhouse gas emissions. It concludes that University procurement managers and operational staff are willing and able to implement these initiatives after clear training programmes but suppliers| role in the University|s sustainable development programme need to be managed. The research in this paper needs to be replicated in other universities for sector-wide conclusions. Tools and recommendations are developed, which are applicable across the sector. This paper provides insight into the issues surrounding greenhouse gas management and upholding human rights within university supply chains.

Keywords: sustainable procurement; greenhouse gases; GHG emissions; human rights abuse; sustainable development; supply chain management; SCM; sustainability; labour rights; university supply chains; higher education; UK universities; United Kingdom.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2010.035614

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2010 Vol.9 No.4, pp.364 - 377

Published online: 01 Oct 2010 *

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