Sustainable Procurement Policy

Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure recognizes its responsibility to minimize negative impacts on human health and the environment while supporting equitable and vibrant business practices. We, therefore, make sure that our procurement decisions comply with our sustainability commitment. We buy the product and services that care about environmental, social, and economic impacts. We also stimulate our suppliers to respect the policy and collaborate with us to develop sustainable practices in their business.

Scope

This policy will be a part of the Sustainability Policy. The policy is applicable to all the procurement activities conducted by our company. This policy comes under effect after the approval by Managing Director and circulation to all staff. The policy will be thoroughly reviewed every 2 years to ensure its relevancy and consistency. In case of any inconsistency, the Managing Director or any authorized officer shall initiate the corrective measures,

1. Sustainable Procurement principles:

1.1 Procurement of sustainable products and services

We prefer locally produced and available products, and wherever possible fair-trade products. Purchase decisions shall be made based on the waste hierarchy to reduce, reuse and recycle. Regularly used products are purchased in bulk in order to reduce the amount of packaging materials. We ensure that the production process follows fair business practices, including transparency and adherence to law, human rights and economic/social equity, and environmental and animal protection. When buying new equipment (computers, printers, vehicles etc.) our company gives preference to newer, low energy models based on highest local available standards.

1.2   Guidance to all employees for the effect implementation of procurement decisions

We make sure that all the staffs are aware about the procurement policy and capable of applying the decisions made while purchasing. Any changes and updates will be circulated immediately,

1.3  Sustainable awareness amongst suppliers

The suppliers are encouraged to follow sustainable principles during the production and distribution of the products. Suppliers should be able to disclose any ethical information regarding production and labor outsourcing.

2.  General Sustainability Considerations

The following considerations shall be made while procuring products and services:

●   Choose environment-friendly products

When choosing products, we consider environment-friendly options like organic locally grown and biodegradable products. For purchasing office supplies, we look for recycled paper and soy-based ink whenever possible.

● Use minimal packaging

We look for minimum packaging while purchasing and ask for environment-friendly packaging materials that can be recycled or composted.

● Minimum greenhouse gas emissions

We prefer ground transportation to air transportation for locally unavailable products. We prioritize energy efficient products and materials by checking their efficiency features. While purchasingequipment, we choose energy efficient equipment or the one run by renewable energy to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.

● Waste management

We ensure that the product does not incur any “hidden” costs associated with its disposal.

● Minimum toxicity

We purchase non-toxic products that don’t use polluting materials and chemicals. We also make sure that the products do not discharge toxic substances that have hazardous effect on human health and environment.

● Minimum habitat destruction

While purchasing paper and wood products, we prefer the products obtained fromrecycling and renewable resources.

● Maximum water efficiency

We purchase the products that use water efficiently.

● Minimum soil degradation

We purchase the products and services that will not degrade or pollute the soils.

● Buy from local vendors

We promote buying from local vendors as it helps the local economy. It the energy use and pollution that would result from transporting the products.

● Products from women or minority-owned businesses

We prefer to buy products from underprivileged groups like women and minorities. It contributes in the building of more equitable community.