TECOM Investments takes significant strides in sustainable procurement

The rate marks a 7% increase over achievements by the Procurement and Contracts (P&C) Department during the first quarter of the year, demonstrating TECOM Investments' unstinted commitment to environmental sustainability.

Ali bin Towaih, Executive Director of Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED), TECOM Investments, said:

"Procurement is a critical function that can drive sustainability within an organization and transform the entire industry's focus towards preserving the environment in the region. At TECOM investments, we are delivering on our sustainable procurement goals in line with our policy to effectively contribute towards reducing the region's carbon footprint."

The methodology of policy implementation includes orientation and consultation with P&C personnel on the different areas of items required and the methods of selecting the right products that comply with the sustainability criteria. Tracking of progress is achieved through filing of quarterly reports that demonstrate the percentages of overall purchases of the same items.

"We are keen to invite our valued suppliers to step forward and work with us towards providing more sustainable products, for the benefit of all who want to achieve the vision of a green UAE," added Bin Towaih.

TECOM Investments' Sustainable Procurement Policy aims to reduce the impact of procured materials on the indoor air quality of buildings by optimizing the use of green-compliant materials including paints, adhesives and carpets. Buying products with less packaging also helps mitigate the volume of waste stream production from buildings that may end up in landfills.

Muna Al Muhairbi, Procurement Director, Procurement and Contracts Department, said: "Environmental awareness is one of the core values that we employ in the process of product selection and approval of suppliers. The vendors need to meet certain criteria to fulfill sustainability requirements for the selection of their products. From this year onwards, we are committed to continuing our drive towards sustainability, and price will be just one of our parameters for product selection."

TECOM Investments has already taken key steps such as the standardization of corporate furniture for all projects that contain at least 99% recycled content for chairs and 50% for workstations. Office furniture is also Green Guard certified, indicating a low content of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

In the first two months of this year, TECOM Investments successfully brought down water consumption by 6.2 million gallons, directly reducing its carbon footprint by an additional 423 tonnes.