Collecting the data

Once the key sustainability variables have been identified, it is important to determine how, and when, these will be collected throughout the procurement process and the duration of the contract.

Request relevant documentation

The information from the previous section will guide decisions on what criteria should be evaluated during the procurement process. To verify the compliance of suppliers with the established criteria, information gathered will include:

Supplier Code of Conducts or supplier policies.
Service manuals with maintenance and repairs information.
Accreditation certificates or awarded ecolabels.

Gather evidence during implementation

Specific social criteria regarding supply chains should be included in the contract clauses to ensure compliance, and encourage continuous improvement towards transparency and labor rights monitoring. To gather the necessary data to monitor compliance with agreed criteria, the following methods can be used:

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Questionnaires

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Desktop and factory audits

The methods that will be used throughout the duration of the contract to collect the data should be clearly stated on the contract. Consequences and responsibilities in case of non-compliance should also be included.