M. Kozybayev NKU Sustainable Procurement Policy

1. Introduction

1.1. The Non-Profit Limited Company "M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University" (hereinafter referred to as the University), as an educational and scientific center, participates in shaping a sustainable future.

1.2. The University is committed to integrating the principles of sustainable development in its strategies, processes, and decisions.

1.3. The Sustainable Procurement Policy (hereinafter referred to as the Policy) is developed in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the University Charter, and regulates the principles, approaches, and requirements for procurement, taking into account environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

1.4. This Policy aims to integrate ESG principles into the University’s procurement activities, reduce environmental impact, support social responsibility, and ensure economic efficiency and transparency in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

1.5. The goal of the University in sustainable procurement is to ensure a responsible and efficient procurement process that minimizes negative environmental impact, complies with social standards, and ensures transparent resource management in accordance with ESG principles and the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

1.6. The tasks of the University in the field of sustainable procurement are:

1) Integration of ESG principles into procurement activities, considering environmental, social, and governance aspects.

2) Reduction of environmental impact through the purchase of energy-efficient, eco-friendly products and waste minimization.

3) Supporting efforts to enhance supplier awareness of social standards, including decent working conditions and the protection of human rights.

4) Facilitating the engagement of local and sustainable suppliers in procurement processes to foster small business growth and regional development.

5) Ensuring transparency and ethics in procurement processes in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

6) Enhancing the qualifications of staff in the field of sustainable procurement and ESG principles.

7) Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of sustainable procurement for continuous improvement.

2. Key Provisions

2.1. The University abides to the provisions of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law "On Public Procurement" and internal regulations.

2.2. The University ensures transparency and fair competition in procurement procedures.

2.3. The University creates internal recommendations and methodological materials on sustainable consumption.

2.4. The University seeks to incorporate sustainability considerations into tender documentation, to the extent permitted by applicable legislation.

2.5. The University takes into account energy efficiency and environmental sustainability when selecting goods and equipment, where feasible and economically justified.

2.6. The University promotes the responsible use of resources, including the reduction of single-use and hard-to-recycle materials, where suitable alternatives are available.

2.7. The University supports the use of products made from recycled and renewable resources, where compatible with functional and financial requirements.

2.8. The University expects suppliers to comply with labor laws and occupational health and safety standards.

2.9. The University organizes training and seminars on sustainable procurement and ESG principles.

3. Responsibility

3.1. The provisions of this Policy are mandatory for all University departments in their interactions with stakeholders, including planning and implementing activities, developing internal regulatory documents, disseminating information, and other forms of communication.

3.2. The University’s Board is responsible for the development, maintenance, and allocation of resources for implementing the Policy.

3.3. The Public Procurement Department is responsible for organizing and conducting procurement procedures in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Procurement”, while the responsibility for the content and sustainability compliance of technical specifications lies with the procurement initiators.

4. Final Provisions

4.1. The Sustainable Procurement Policy is subject to regular review, taking into account changes in the external environment, international standards, and the University’s priorities. Where necessary, amendments and additions may be made to enhance its effectiveness.

4.2. This Policy affirms the University’s strategic commitment to the implementation of sustainable development principles, the establishment of favorable conditions for sustainable long-term growth, and the strengthening of its position as a responsible institution supporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.