Supplier Responsibility Policy
At BeSustain., procurement is not a secondary function; it is a reflection of our values. Our relationships with suppliers — regardless of the volume or frequency of transactions — are shaped by our commitment to transparency, responsibility, and systems-level thinking. This policy outlines the principles, expectations, and practices that define how we engage with external providers of goods and services.
We see every supplier interaction as part of the broader system we are helping to build — a system that is just, accountable, and sustainable by design.
The objective of this policy is to ensure that all supplier relationships at BeSustain. are consistent with our environmental, social, and governance standards. The policy is designed to:
Provide clear expectations for current and potential suppliers
Integrate ethical and sustainability considerations into every procurement decision
Reduce environmental and social risks associated with external partnerships
Reinforce BeSustain.’s public commitments to equity, sustainability, and transparency
This policy applies to all products and services acquired by BeSustain., including but not limited to:
Technology, software, and digital infrastructure
Design, printing, and communication tools
Consulting and professional services
Events, logistics, and operational support
Office supplies, subscriptions, and third-party platforms
All suppliers, whether contracted long-term or engaged for a single service, fall within the scope of this policy.
4.1 Ethical Business Conduct
Operate in accordance with international human rights and labor standards
Maintain zero tolerance for forced labor, child labor, or exploitative practices
Uphold anti-corruption principles and fair competition practices
4.2 Environmental Responsibility
Comply with local and international environmental laws and standards
Strive to reduce emissions, waste, and energy consumption
Provide products and services that minimize lifecycle environmental impact
Implement responsible material sourcing and circular practices where possible
4.3 Social Equity and Inclusion
Demonstrate non-discriminatory practices in hiring, management, and partnerships
Support the inclusion of underrepresented groups in ownership or leadership
Engage in local community development or knowledge-sharing efforts, when applicable
4.4 Transparency and Traceability
Be open to disclosing policies, practices, and performance related to ESG criteria
Provide documentation or declarations when requested
Inform BeSustain. of any significant changes in ownership, legal standing, or compliance status
BeSustain. evaluates potential suppliers through a lens of integrity, not volume. We apply a non-exhaustive set of screening questions, including:
Does this supplier demonstrate an awareness of their environmental and social impact?
Are their products/services compatible with BeSustain.’s sustainability goals?
Do their business practices present reputational risk for our stakeholders?
Formal audits are not conducted at this stage. However, BeSustain. reserves the right to discontinue relationships where misalignment is evident or ethical concerns arise.
If a supplier is found to be engaging in practices that violate this policy, BeSustain. will first seek to engage in dialogue and improvement where possible. Where risks are systemic or unresolved, termination of the relationship may follow.
Serious risks include, but are not limited to:
Labor rights violations
Environmental negligence
Discriminatory or exclusionary practices
Lack of transparency or refusal to engage in disclosure
This policy is complementary to:
BeSustain.’s Code of Business Ethics
Environmental Sustainability Policy
DEI Policy
Privacy and Data Governance Practices
Procurement is treated as a strategic function that reflects all aspects of our governance framework.
This policy is reviewed annually by the Management Team. Revisions may be made based on changes in:
Legal requirements
Supplier landscape
BeSustain.’s strategy or operational model
Stakeholder expectations
Any changes are published on BeSustain.’s website and communicated to relevant internal teams.
If you are a stakeholder, team member, or supplier and have concerns about the implementation of this policy or supplier behavior, please contact: feedback@besustain.nl
We treat all concerns confidentially and respond according to our ethics and grievance protocols.
At BeSustain., we believe that how we engage with the market is a core expression of who we are. We do not view procurement as transactional — it is relational, strategic, and deeply ethical.
This policy is not about scale. It is about substance. Through every choice — small or large — we strive to build an ecosystem that aligns with our purpose: systems that sustain.