The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
UNOPS achieves top-level award for sustainable procurement
COPENHAGEN – UNOPS has been awarded gold level in the Sustainable Procurement Review by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
This makes UNOPS the first United Nations organization and only the fourth organization in the world to achieve gold level from the Institute.
"This is a fantastic achievement for UNOPS," said Grete Faremo, UNOPS Executive Director. "It is the latest in a number of internationally recognized certifications that UNOPS has been awarded and evidence of UNOPS position as a world leader in sustainable procurement practices."
"Sustainable procurement is one of the most difficult challenges facing today's business environment," explained David Noble, Group CEO, CIPS. "UNOPS has undertaken a significant amount of work to embed sustainability within their strategic and operational processes. Achieving the gold level shows the level of commitment and dedication UNOPS were willing to commit in order to meet their objectives. I have every hope that UNOPS will go from strength to strength following this achievement."
CIPS is an independent and highly respected global leader that supports organizations around the world in their procurement and supply chain management practices. The gold level recognizes the policies, procedures and practices that UNOPS has adopted to promote sustainable procurement, and follows a bronze level in 2011 and silver level in 2013.
"UNOPS is committed to continuous improvement in the area of sustainable procurement," continued Ms Faremo. "Our partners need to be confident that projects we support reach those who need it most, and are implemented through truly sustainable means and methods".
Sustainable procurement is the practice of integrating requirements, specifications and criteria that take environmental protection, social progress and economic development into account at every level. This can range from assessing the fuel efficiency of vehicles, buying stationery made of recycled paper or paper from sustainably managed forests, to purchasing from small- and medium-size businesses, as well as businesses owned by women.
UNOPS is a central resource for procurement within the United Nations. The organization buys around $700 million worth of goods and services for partners every year, in support of peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects worldwide.
In December 2014, the UNOPS procurement team in Haiti were recognized for their outstanding use of sustainable procurement practices in housing and urban rehabilitation, and the installation of solar street lamps in the 16/6 project. More information on this project can be found here.
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is the world's largest procurement and supply professional organisation. It is the worldwide centre of excellence on procurement and supply management issues. CIPS has a global community of over 110,000 in 150 different countries, including senior business people, high-ranking civil servants and leading academics. The activities of procurement and supply chain professionals have a major impact on the profitability and efficiency of all types of organization and CIPS offers corporate solutions packages to improve business profitability.
