Case Study Spotlight: Sustainable Procurement at the University of Western Ontario

Western University’s Sustainable Procurement Program was launched to embed environmental, social, and ethical responsibility into every purchasing decision, aligning with the institution’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. The program provides a framework for sustainable sourcing, supplier engagement, and risk management, positioning Western as a leader in higher education procurement practices. The program has already achieved significant successes. Aligning with Canada’s Supply Chains Act, Western introduced a Supplier Code of Conduct alongside providing training to staff and faculty on the risks of modern slavery in supply chains. Sourcing processes now include mandatory sustainability evaluations. To reduce its environmental footprint, the University transitioned to Sugar Sheet paper and continues to deliver end-user training and practical resources to support informed, sustainable purchasing. Supplier engagement activities further strengthen collaboration and accountability, ensuring sustainability is integrated at every stage of procurement. Together, these initiatives advance Western’s commitment to environmental responsibility, social equity, and ethical supply chains, while establishing a model for other institutions to follow. Click here to read the full case study.*

The Western University case study was submitted to the SPLC Leadership Awards program, and was awarded the 2025 SPLC Leadership Award for Overall Program. Visit the SPLC website for more information on the Leadership Awards Program.

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