12.2.8. Minimisation policies extended to suppliers

Middle East Technical University (METU) ensures that its operational waste minimization and sustainability policies extend directly to outsourced suppliers and the wider procurement supply chain. Governed by the national Waste Directive of the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning (https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2015/04/20150402-2.htm) and codified under the METU Sustainable Campus Policies and METU Inorganic Waste and Recycling Policy (http://sustainablecampus.metu.edu.tr/en/policies) METU integrates mandatory environmental responsibility, energy efficiency standards, and recyclable packaging requirements into agreements with suppliers of office equipment, stationery, building and construction contracts, and food services.

1. Extension to Equipment, Stationery, and Construction Contractors

METU actively requires third-party contractors and external suppliers to implement environmentally responsible practices:

• Office Equipment & Stationery Suppliers: Encouraged and mandated to provide energy-efficient equipment, recyclable stationery products, and items packaged in eco-friendly materials.
• Building & Construction Contracts: Construction services and contractors are required to utilize sustainable building materials and adhere to waste reduction guidelines during infrastructure operations.
• ISO 50001:2018 Energy Alignment: METU holds the ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System Standard Certification, demonstrating compliance with international energy management standards and reinforcing institutional expectations for suppliers to support energy efficiency. (https://eyb.metu.edu.tr/tr/galeri/odtu-kampusu-enerji-etudu-ve-iso-50001...)

2. Food Supply Chain & Quality Management Standards

Procurement of food products across all campus outlets enforces rigorous safety, local economic prioritization, and quality management standards:

• Legal & Technical Compliance: Executed strictly under the Public Procurement Law (No. 4734), the Turkish Food Codex Regulation, and Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) criteria.
• Mandatory ISO 22000 Standard: All food suppliers are contractually required to comply with ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System standards.
• Local Sustainable Prioritization: Purchases systematically prioritize local, sustainable suppliers wherever legally and technically feasible.

3. Packaging & Waste Prevention Obligations for Suppliers

• Reusable & Recyclable Packaging: All commercial suppliers delivering goods to the university campus are expected to package and sell products exclusively in reusable or recyclable packages.
• Prohibition of Non-Friendly Materials: Suppliers and commercial operators are prohibited from offering or selling disposable service materials made of plastic, aluminum, or polystyrene foam in campus canteens, cafeterias, restaurants, buffets, and markets.
• Digital Correspondence & Material Limits: Staff use the Electronic Document Management System (EBYS) for supplier interactions, while course resources are managed via ODTUCLASS, minimizing printouts and paper procurement needs.