“ Unfortunately , there ’ s no institution which actually prepares people to sit between these two departments .”
Making sustainability strides Teachers College , with Tony at the helm of the procurement function , is making concerted efforts to move towards a sustainable future .
“ For now , sustainability is largely still something that is recommended , but in the coming years it ’ s going to be mandatory so we have to focus on the sustainability of our procurement ,” says Tony .
Tony is approaching this in a number of different ways , starting with careful selection of vendors .
“ To fulfil sustainability requirements , we have to select companies which are actually going to help us ,” Tony continues . “ Again , it ’ s about teamwork .”
He also highlights energy procurement , describing it as a complex process with numerous puzzle pieces that must be put together to see the full picture .
“ We were able to work with our consultant companies and start the process ,” Tony adds . “ It ’ s a long journey and not something we ’ re going to be able to achieve in a year or two , but we are working on it and we are getting there .
“ The same applies to everything else in procurement . Whatever we are trying to purchase or whatever contract we ’ re dealing with , we are trying to integrate sustainability elements so we can move forward .”
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