UNEP FI Sustainable Suppliers Accreditation
In 2007 the UNEP FI Australian Group undertook a project to identify and document the approaches of member organisations to sustainable supply-chain management. The aim of the project was to develop a standard methodology for how UNEP FI organisations could assess potential suppliers.
This project led to the development of a voluntary ‘Code of Compliance’ for suppliers to financial institutions in Australia. EPA Victoria is now working with UNEP FI Australasia to develop an accreditation program against this Code which suppliers could undertake.
In late 2009, Bureau Veritas was engaged to develop the accreditation program. It is anticipated that the Code of Compliance and the program to allow suppliers to be assessed against it will be launched in late 2011.
Overview of the Code:
The Code of Compliance can be undertaken by supplier at one of three levels:
- Self assessment
- Desk-top assessment
- On-site assessment
The higher the level undertaken the more robust the results will be and the more weight they will carry in the tender process with Australian financial institutions. Suppliers will be able to engage auditors to assess their performance against the Code of Compliance, at the desktop and on site audit levels.
Topic areas covered by the Code of Compliance:
Topic 1: Corporate Governance
Topic 2: Environmental Management
Topic 3: Occupational Health, Safety and Environment
Topic 4: Workplace Policies & Human Rights
Topic 5: Risk Management
Topic 6: Supply Chain Management
Topic 7: Community
More details about the program will be supplied as it becomes available.