Introduction

"Our understanding of sustainable procurement is moving beyond
‘how we buy’ to ‘what we buy’, thanks in part to our close working
relationship with Buying Force. We recognise that as our own sustainability
performance improves, the focus of our stakeholders will shift to scrutinise
the performance of our supply chain. That is why we are taking steps now
to ensure sustainability is part of the way our suppliers do business too."
Peter Best, Head of Asset Management

PRUPIM’s relationship with Buying Force continues to be important to the objective of driving improved sustainability standards within our supply chain. For instance, Buying Force established a set of procedures to monitor sustainability standards amongst PRUPIM's supplier base during 2006. Suppliers are now required to fill out a self assessment form, including a sustainability assessment. The assessment seeks to determine the extent to which sustainability is addressed by each and every supplier. Click here for further details on how Buying Force assesses compliance with sustainability standards.

Buying Force also engages with our suppliers through regular Supplier Review meetings. At these meetings, Buying Force addresses a range of matters, including CR and sustainability issues.

Although not strictly launched in 2006, a manual entitled 'Maximising use of FSC Timber and minimising our impact on the world’s forest resources', was also conceived and partially delivered during the year.

The manual outlines PRUPIM’s commitment to "purchase FSC timber, and in cases where it proves unavailable to obtain a maximum possible assurance that the timber originates from known and legal sources". It also outlines key steps in verifying where timber comes from, as well as a measurement, monitoring and reporting strategy. We will be rolling out this policy (and associated manual) during 2007 to ensure our suppliers adhere to the standards and principles set out in the policy (for timbers purchases related to facilities management only).