Charles University places great emphasis on responsible public procurement as part of its sustainability policy, reflecting its ethical values and stance on important social and environmental issues.

The university takes responsibility for its purchases and their impacts.

In June 2020, the university adopted a Strategy for Responsible Public Procurement, setting out its goals and priorities in sustainable procurement and openly communicating these principles to the public and suppliers.

In 2023, Charles University began evaluating the functioning of the Strategy and preparing its amendment. In April 2024, the updated Strategy was approved, and it is valid until 2029:

Charles University declared its intention to promote its ethical values, expressing its stance on socially and environmentally significant issues, in its procurement processes (public procurement).

Our efforts focus on maximizing the use of public funds to achieve sustainable development, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through this approach, Charles University not only advocates for its values but also sets an example in responsible public procurement, hopefully motivating other public procurers to adopt similar practices.

The main objectives of Charles University in sustainable procurement are:

• Development of responsible public procurement at Charles University

• Support for the implementation and development of responsible public procurement at universities in the Czech Republic and support for the creation of educational opportunities in the field.

Transparency, compliance with fair working conditions in supply chains, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, social enterprises, and environmentally friendly solutions, including the circular economy, are paramount at the university. We are exploring ways to involve our students in sustainable procurement (e.g. through internships) or in the community (e.g. open communication about ongoing construction contracts).

The Department of Public Procurement at the university's Rectorate, in collaboration with colleagues at faculties and departments, serves as the responsible procurement manager.

Charles University is a member of the Platform for Responsible Public Procurement.