Comprehensive Sustainable Consumption and Responsible Production Policy

May 15
3 min read

Institution: Swiss International University

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Last Reviewed & Updated: see publication date

Policy Owner: Office of Institutional Quality and Campus Operations

1. Purpose and Scope

Swiss International University is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific focus on Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). This policy outlines our mandatory practices for sustainable procurement, waste management, material minimisation, and supply chain accountability. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, outsourced service providers, and external suppliers operating on behalf of or within the university.

2. Ethical Sourcing of Food and Supplies

The university mandates the ethical, sustainable, and responsible sourcing of all food and operational supplies to minimise environmental impact and ensure fair labor practices.

Local and Sustainable Procurement: Priority is given to suppliers who provide locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainably farmed food products to reduce carbon footprints and support local economies.
Fair Labor and Animal Welfare: All food and supply vendors must demonstrate compliance with international fair-trade standards, ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and strict adherence to animal welfare standards.
Verification: Procurement officers must evaluate and document the ethical credentials of all food and supply vendors prior to contract approval.

3. Minimisation of Plastics and Disposable Items

To significantly reduce our environmental footprint, the university enforces strict minimisation protocols regarding single-use materials.

Plastic Minimisation: The procurement, distribution, and sale of single-use plastics (including plastic bags, straws, stirrers, and plastic water bottles) are strictly prohibited across all campus facilities and university-sponsored events.
Disposable Item Minimisation: The university requires the transition from disposable items to reusable alternatives in all administrative and catering functions. Where reusable items are not structurally feasible, any disposable items utilized must be 100% compostable or made from fully recycled, biodegradable materials.

4. Waste Disposal: Landfill Measurement and Recycling Policy

The university is committed to diverting waste from landfills through rigorous measurement, tracking, and recycling protocols.

Measurement and Tracking: The university actively measures the total volume of waste generated across the institution. Facilities management is required to track and record the exact amount (in metric tonnes) of waste that is recycled, composted, and sent to landfill on a monthly basis.
Diversion Targets: Data collected from this measurement process is utilized to set annual baseline targets aimed at increasing the proportion of recycled waste and systematically decreasing the volume of waste sent to landfill.

5. Waste Disposal: Hazardous Materials

The university strictly regulates the disposal of hazardous materials to prevent harm to human health, wildlife, and the local ecosystem.

Classification: Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, biological, chemical, radiological, and physical agents generated through laboratory research, clinical studies, or campus maintenance.
Disposal Protocols: All hazardous waste must be segregated, stored in compliant containment units, and disposed of exclusively through university-certified, licensed hazardous waste management contractors.
Prohibition of General Disposal: Under no circumstances may hazardous materials be discharged into the general waste stream, landfill, or the municipal wastewater system.

6. Extension to Outsourced Services and Suppliers

To ensure comprehensive institutional compliance, the university’s sustainability and minimisation policies are strictly extended to all external partners.

Outsourced Services: All disposable item minimisation, plastic reduction, and ethical sourcing policies apply directly to outsourced services operating on campus. This includes, but is not limited to, external food catering and canteens, cleaning contractors, and security services.
Supply Chain Extension: These minimisation and ethical policies are legally binding for all outsourced suppliers and the broader supply chain. This mandate specifically covers suppliers of institutional equipment, office stationery, and external building/construction contractors.
Contractual Enforcement: Adherence to these sustainability, minimisation, and ethical sourcing guidelines is a mandatory clause in all Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and vendor contracts. Failure to comply will result in contract termination.

Approval and Compliance:

This policy has been approved by the university's governing body. The Office of Institutional Quality and Campus Operations conducts annual audits to measure compliance across all departments, outsourced services, and external supply chains.