KU Assessed and Certified in Planning, Control and Implementation of Sustainable Procurement Activities for the Supply of Goods and Services
The Khalifa University Procurement and Contracts Department has received the ISO 20400:2017 certification from Bureau Veritas, an accredited certification body, for the integration of sustainability principles into procurement processes, with a focus on promoting responsible practices, and reducing environmental impacts.
Esmaeel Al Ahmed, Vice-President, Procurement and Contracts, Khalifa University, received the letter of compliance from Krupa Rahul, Head of Certification, Bureau Veritas, and other officials, during a ceremony at the Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus marking the conclusion of the inspection and assessment. The certification was awarded for planning, control, and implementation of sustainable procurement activities in the supply of goods and services.
Krupa Rahul said: “Khalifa University’s achievement of ISO 20400 certification demonstrates their commitment to implementing a robust sustainable procurement framework. Their focus on integrating environmental, social, and ethical considerations throughout their supply chain aligns perfectly with the core principles of the standard. By prioritizing sustainable practices, Khalifa University is setting a commendable example for other organizations in the region and contributing significantly to broader efforts towards a more sustainable future.”
By implementing ISO 20400:2017 standard, institutions can improve productivity, evaluate the value and performance of their procurement processes, facilitate effective communication between purchasers, suppliers and other stakeholders, and drive more innovation within their procurement practices. More importantly it contributes to achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including UN SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Khalifa University’s comprehensive range of certifications meet the requirements of several other standards such as the ISO 9001:2015 that demonstrates the implementation and maintenance of an effective quality management system. Other certifications include the ISO 45001, an international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at work, the ISO 10004:2018 in quality management and customer satisfaction, 14001 in environmental management as well as 50001 in energy management, which is awarded for increasing energy efficiency, promoting best energy practices and improving energy performance.
Additionally, the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology (KU-BTC) remains the first research center in the UAE to receive accreditation from the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) for ‘‘Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)’, following its compliance with the ISO 15189:2012 requirements on quality and competence.
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
19 March 2024
