KazNU applies sustainability principles to the procurement of goods, works and services
KazNU applies sustainability principles to the procurement of goods, works and services
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has adopted a Sustainable Procurement Policy that incorporates environmental, social and economic responsibility into the procurement of goods, works and services. The policy was adopted in 2024 and is publicly available on the official KazNU website.
The document was developed to coordinate and streamline the procurement of goods, works and services across the University. It states that KazNU’s sustainable procurement system is based on the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and takes into account the ISO 20400 international standard, Green Public Procurement principles and the principles of the United Nations Global Compact.
The policy provides for reducing the negative environmental impact of procurement, prioritising clean products and services, reducing the carbon footprint, supporting fair trade, using recycled materials, ensuring transparency in procurement procedures and considering the environmental credentials of suppliers. When selecting goods, works and services, the University also gives priority to local and domestic suppliers in accordance with applicable legislation and international standards.
These provisions establish an institutional foundation for the sustainable procurement of food and other consumable products. Giving priority to local suppliers helps reduce the environmental impact of transportation, supports the local economy and contributes to more sustainable supply chains. An additional document, the Ethical Sourcing Policy for Food and Consumable Supplies, which addresses the responsible procurement of food and consumable products, is published in the documents section of the KazNU Department of Economics and Finance.
The Sustainable Procurement Policy applies not only to goods but also to procured works and services. The customer may request documents from suppliers confirming the quality and origin of goods and the qualifications of contractors delivering works and services. Services provided must comply with the technical specifications and contractual requirements. Environmental and procurement requirements may therefore be incorporated into the conditions governing the University’s engagement with external service providers.
KazNU has established measurable long-term sustainable procurement targets. Under the policy, green procurement should account for at least 30% of procurement by 2035, the carbon footprint should be reduced by 20% by 2035, and the proportion of suppliers holding environmental certifications such as FSC, Fair Trade, Ecolabel or equivalent credentials should be increased to 20% by 2035.
Requirements specifically addressing the reduction of plastic and disposable items are established in separate KazNU documents. The Calculation of the Policy to Reduce Plastic Consumption at KazNU provides for the phased reduction of plastic bottles, bags, disposable tableware and food packaging, the expanded use of reusable or biodegradable packaging, and the complete elimination of specified single-use plastic products by the end of the established period.
The Policy on Waste Management and Reducing the Use of Plastic and Disposable Materials is also published in the documents section of the KazNU Production Support Department. This document serves as the primary evidence of the University’s policy on minimising disposable items, while the Sustainable Procurement Policy ensures that environmental principles are incorporated into the procurement of goods, works and services.
KazNU therefore applies a sustainable approach across its procurement system, prioritises local suppliers and environmentally preferable products, establishes requirements for suppliers and includes procured services within the scope of its procurement policy. The specific documents addressing the reduction of plastic and disposable materials complement the general Sustainable Procurement Policy by establishing practical measures for the transition to reusable and environmentally safer alternatives.
Official documents and materials
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Sustainable Procurement Policy, 2024, first edition. The policy applies to the procurement of goods, works and services, prioritises local suppliers, clean products, fair trade and recycled materials, and establishes measurable targets extending to 2035.
- KazNU Department of Economics and Finance. The documents section contains the Sustainable Procurement Policy and the Ethical Sourcing Policy for Food and Consumable Supplies.
- Policy on Waste Management and Reducing the Use of Plastic and Disposable Materials at the University. This document constitutes the primary evidence of the University’s policy on minimising plastic and disposable items.
- Calculation of the Policy to Reduce Plastic Consumption at KazNU. The document establishes phased targets for reducing plastic bottles, bags, disposable tableware and food packaging.
Year of adoption of the primary policy: 2024
Edition of the primary policy: First
Primary reporting period: 2025
Deadline for achieving the sustainable procurement targets: 2035
Date of the most recent update: 2026