sustainable procurement policy

Introduction and Scope

At CAP Worldwide, we recognise the significant environmental and social impacts of our procurement decisions. Committed to promoting sustainability, this policy outlines our approach to integrating environmental and ethical considerations into our procurement processes, ensuring that our choices support the well-being of our clients, communities, and the planet.

The purpose of this Sustainable Procurement Policy is to:

• Ensure that our procurement activities prioritise products and services that have a positive environmental and social impact.
• Reduce the ecological footprint of our operations by selecting accommodations and services that adhere to sustainable practices.
• Support brand partners and suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to ethical labour practices and environmental stewardship.
• Align our procurement decisions with our broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives and sustainability goals.

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and departments involved in procurement activities at CAP Worldwide. It encompasses:

• Selection and evaluation of accommodation providers (brand partners).
• Procurement of office supplies and services.
• Engagement with third-party suppliers and partners.
• Any other purchasing decisions impacting our sustainability objectives.

Definitions

• Sustainable Procurement: The process of purchasing goods and services that have a reduced impact on the environment and society, considering the entire lifecycle from production to disposal.
• Supplier Sustainability Criteria: Standards set to evaluate partners and suppliers based on their environmental performance, social responsibility, and ethical practices.

Policy Statement

CAP Worldwide is committed to:

• Environmental Stewardship: Prioritising accommodations and services that implement energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, water conservation, and use of renewable resources.
• Social Responsibility: Engaging with partners and suppliers who uphold fair labour practices, respect human rights, and contribute positively to their communities.
• Economic Viability: Ensuring that sustainable choices are also economically sound, providing value to our clients and stakeholders.
• Transparency: Maintaining open communication with stakeholders regarding our sustainable procurement efforts and progress.

By adopting this Sustainable Procurement Policy, CAP Worldwide aims to lead by example in the travel industry, demonstrating that responsible procurement can drive positive environmental and social change while delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Procedures

To implement this policy effectively, we will:

• Partner and Supplier Selection and Evaluation:
  • Develop and apply sustainability criteria to assess potential partners and suppliers, focusing on their environmental and social practices.
  • Engage with partners and suppliers to encourage continuous improvement in sustainability performance.
  • Provide training to procurement staff on evaluating partners and suppliers based on sustainability criteria.
• Product and Service Selection:
  • Prioritise accommodations and services that have received recognised sustainability certifications (e.g., Green Key, EarthCheck and/or share carbon emissions by apartment type).
  • Consider the environmental impact of accommodations, including energy consumption, waste management, and resource usage.
  • Assess the social impact of accommodations, ensuring they support local communities and uphold ethical labour standards.
• Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the sustainability performance of our procurement activities.
  • Conduct regular audits and reviews of supplier compliance with our sustainability standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Collaborate with clients to inform them about our sustainable procurement initiatives and offer eco-friendly accommodation options.
  • Engage with partners and suppliers to share best practices and support their efforts in adopting sustainable practices.
  • Involve employees in sustainability training and encourage suggestions for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• COO: Oversee the implementation of this policy, conduct supplier evaluations, and ensure compliance with sustainability criteria.
• Leadership Team: Provide leadership and resources to support sustainable procurement initiatives and integrate them into our strategic objectives.
• All Employees: Adhere to the principles of this policy in their procurement-related activities and contribute to our sustainability goals.

Continuous Improvement

CAP Worldwide is committed to:

• Regularly reviewing and updating this policy to adapt to evolving sustainability standards and industry best practices.
• Encouraging innovation in procurement processes to enhance environmental and social outcomes.
• Fostering a culture of sustainability through ongoing education and engagement with all stakeholders.

Review and Reporting

CAP will periodically review this Sustainable Procurement Policy (at least once a year during the management review) and our performance and update as necessary to ensure it remains aligned with our business objectives.