Toolkit for supplier sustainability criteria, ICRC, November 2023

The ICRC has developed a number of tools to help suppliers choose and encourage them to adopt a more sustainable approach:

• A supplier code of conduct. It was developed as part of a process with various departments and drew on the experience of other organisations that have recently carried out a similar exercise (Save Children, Interagency Procurement Group, UN Procurement Division, etc.).
• A questionnaire for suppliers so that we can ask questions about their practices. Indeed, nobody knows better than your suppliers the types of products you buy and how they are made. So why not turn to them when you’re looking for more sustainable alternatives and let them be part of the solution?
  • The ICRC is increasingly adopting this approach, and conversations with suppliers have already resulted in new products. For example, a syringe containing 16% less plastic and biodegradable body bags.
• An awareness-raising course for your teams on the Quality, Health and Safety at Work and Environment (QHSE) assessment of suppliers. The ICRC has developed a new online training course covering the basics of conducting a QHSE assessment of suppliers and partner companies.