Purpose
At RelocateU, we see our suppliers as essential partners in our journey toward ethical, responsible, and sustainable business practices. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines our expectations and measurable commitments, built on internationally recognised environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards. Our goal is to create shared value through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, leading to positive impacts on society and the environment. We also anticipate our suppliers will implement similar initiatives with their own suppliers and subcontractors.
1. Environmental Responsibility
1.1 Compliance with Regulations
Suppliers must comply with all applicable environmental, health, and safety laws. Regular compliance audits are encouraged to ensure ongoing adherence.
1.2 Climate Action & Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Suppliers with annual revenues exceeding USD 1 million are required to measure and report their carbon emissions, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions where applicable. They must also establish and commit to specific carbon reduction targets, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. These suppliers should set interim milestones, for example, a minimum reduction of 10% by 2030 for their overall emissions and net-zero emissions for Scope 1 by 2040.
Suppliers with annual revenues below USD 1 million are encouraged to begin measuring and reporting their carbon emissions within two years, and they are expected to develop a plan for carbon reduction in alignment with their capabilities.
1.3 Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy
Suppliers must comply with all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations while promoting the safe and environmentally sound development, manufacturing, transport, use, and disposal of their products. Key responsibilities include:
- Resource Efficiency: Use resources efficiently and apply energy-efficient, environmentally friendly technologies. Actively reduce waste (both hazardous and non-hazardous) and minimise emissions to air, water, and soil.
- Smart Water Management: Implement smart water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse, to optimise water use.
- Renewable Energy: Transition to renewable energy sources to lower carbon footprints.
- Climate Resilience: Enhance building resilience to climate change through strategies such as retrofitting structures, reinforcing critical components, and improving systems to manage extreme weather events.
- Employee and Community Safety: Protect the health and safety of employees and the community, ensuring that hazards in processes and products are effectively managed.
By committing to these practices, suppliers will enhance operational efficiency and contribute to a sustainable future.
1.4 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Protection
Suppliers are encouraged to implement action plans that promote biodiversity and minimise negative impacts on ecosystems and natural habitats. Rather than pursuing deforestation and environmental degradation for economic gain, efforts should focus on refurbishing, upcycling, and modernising existing buildings to align with climate-resilient and sustainable practices in energy, water management, and waste management.
1.5 Toxic Chemicals
Suppliers must minimise the use of hazardous chemicals in their processes and products, providing full transparency regarding the use and disposal of any toxic substances.
2. Social Responsibility
2.1 Respect for Human Rights & Labour Standards
- Suppliers must enforce a zero-tolerance policy against forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour. Compliance with the Modern Slavery Act is mandatory.
- A living wage reflective of local living standards must be provided to all employees. Minimum wage laws are the floor, not the ceiling, for compensation practices.
2.2 Safe & Respectful Workplaces
- Suppliers must provide a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment, free from harassment, discrimination, and abuse.
- Whistleblower protections and grievance mechanisms must be in place to ensure employees can report violations confidentially without fear of retaliation.
2.3 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
Suppliers must set measurable DEI goals, and proactively deliver measures that create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Progress toward these goals must be regularly reviewed and reported.
3. Governance & Ethical Business Practices
3.1 Anti-Corruption & Business Integrity
- Zero tolerance for corruption: Suppliers must strictly prohibit all forms of bribery, corruption, and money laundering.
- All business transactions must be conducted with integrity, and suppliers must report any potential conflicts of interest or unethical requests.
3.2 Data Privacy & Intellectual Property
Suppliers must respect and protect the confidentiality of employees, customers, and business partners, ensuring data and intellectual property are handled securely and in accordance with applicable laws.
3.3 Compliance Management Systems & Audits
Suppliers must implement robust compliance management systems to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and the principles outlined in this Code. Suppliers are required to undergo third-party audits to verify compliance upon request.
4. Reporting and Accountability
- Annual ESG Reports: Our organisation is committed to supporting suppliers on their sustainability journey and is available to provide guidance and resources as needed.
- Suppliers that earn more than USD 1 million in annual turnover are required to provide annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports. These reports should detail their environmental and social performance, including progress on emissions reduction, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), human rights, and governance metrics.
- Suppliers earning less than USD 1 million are strongly encouraged to develop and provide ESG reports to promote transparency and continuous improvement in their environmental and social practices.
- Whistleblower Channels: Secure, anonymous reporting mechanisms must be provided for employees and stakeholders to report unethical or illegal conduct.
5. Integrity and Disclosure Clause
Suppliers are required to disclose immediately if any employee of our organisation approaches them for personal gain, including requests for free services or accommodations. We strongly discourage such actions and expect all business interactions to be conducted with the utmost integrity. Suppliers must report any such incidents to our leadership team without delay.
6. Commitment to Partnership
By signing this Code of Conduct, suppliers commit to upholding the principles outlined and recognise that these commitments are essential to maintaining our partnership.
