JISC

Overview

The aim of PROCO2 is to re-engineer procurement and re-imagine the University thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Specifically we aim to develop an ICT based decision-making tool enabling De Montfort University (and thereafter other HEIs) to reduce emissions from Scope 3 emissions, notably procurement.

The project will involve a review of the impact of Scope 3 emission, procurement best practice in the HEI sector, the design and construction and testing of an ICT tool to enable improved decision making around the environmental impact of suppliers, goods and services, and finally, to understand the organizational learning and change management issues surrounding such a change.

Aims and objectives

Aim: To develop an ICT tool and database that links financial and environmental accounting for procurement (scope 3 emissions) enabling decision makers and staff to understand the environmental impact of these activities and support decision-making towards sustainable procurement.

Objectives:

1. To design and launch a 'user-friendly' business ICT tool connected to the financial procurement system.
2. To improve information management systems and processes and embed sustainability into the business practices.
3. To engage senior managers and procurement-related staff in behaviour change initiatives towards sustainable consumption.
4. To understand issues of organizational learning and institutional change.
5. To help DMU's suppliers understand their own environmental impact.

Project methodology

DMU, with the help of project collaborators, Arup, are undertaking a systematic investigation into the impact of scope 3/procurement emissions. This will involve documenting and reviewing current activities and sector examples of best practice, the design of an ICT based toolkit to facilitate behaviour change and a reflection on the process of change management and a full critical evaluation of the project. It is a University wide project involving the Estates department, Information Technology, Procurement and the research led Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development. Consultancy is provided by Arup (http://www.arup.com/)

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

We anticipate that the outcomes of the project will form an institutional exemplar project that places sustainability at the core of DMU's new strategic direction as well becoming an exemplar project for the JISC community Institutional Innovation Programme to provide "improved leadership to the sector in the role that technology can play in developing effective institutional strategies". The findings of this research will produce clear qualitative and quantitative benefits to DMU. This will then contribute to the growing body of knowledge across the JISC community.