SusQI Case Study: Hywel Dda Procurement Team "Local Supply Chain Initiative'"

SusQI project completed as part of the Hywel Dda University Health Board Green Team Competition from September 2022-January 2023.

The aim of this project was to help create a healthier Wales by reducing the Carbon footprint of Hywel Dda’s supply chain. The primary benefit from utilising a local supplier was to reduce Hywel Dda’s business transport emissions. A contract was identified by Hywel Dda’s Procurement team which was due for renewal in relation to the repair of its automatic doors. By using a more local supplier the primary aim was achieved. The measurements of the carbon footprint of the current supply chain and comparing it to the carbon footprint of the new supplier showed a significant decrease in transport emissions. Additionally, this project has highlighted a number of other benefits including economic and social benefits too. 

This project wanted to assess what additional benefits arise through using local suppliers. This project studied the additional sustainable considerations which benefit Hywel Dda patients, staff and the wider community. Historically, the health board has evaluated contract renewals based on commercial and technical specification weightings. However, this project has highlighted the benefit of taken onboard wider considerations. Moving forward this will form staff training within the procurement team to show them the added benefit of considering these additional factors. There will also need to be a culture change amongst health board staff, Hywel Dda staff understand their responsibility as budget holders of public funds. This means that most staff would feel more comfortable using the cheapest supplier, irrespective of the additional harm it could be doing to the wider environment. This approach can be shared amongst Procurement staff and used in future contract renewal opportunities.

Click here for more information on the Green Team Competition (including organisation impact reports).