Sustainability Policy

Overview

Wimmer Solutions is entrusted with the responsibility to provide professional management of services to not only our clients but also to the community, environment, and the world. Wimmer Solutions recognizes that there are more important factors than people and profits and we strive to act on behalf of the greater good of the world, focusing on procurement. While there may be additional costs, offset consideration can be obtained with market advantages achieved with a sustainable procurement system. 

We consult with our stakeholders and communicate with our clients to understand their expectations.

We will work closely with our team to engage all functions that relate to IT procurement and business strategy.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline our efforts and set standards for procurement.

Scope

This policy applies to our purchasers of the following items/materials: computers, electricity providers, datacenter hosting services, clothing and apparel, printer paper, and other office supplies.

Policy

Wimmer Solutions strives to be a responsible business that meets the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

Our responsibility falls under two procurement categories: energy efficiency and ethical treatment of the employees of the company providing the service. This policy addresses initiatives to promote human rights and protect the environment.

Computer Procurement:

Purchased laptops have certain security requirements that our organization and clients require. We are requiring an additional spec of Energy Star Certified products, unless there is a specific request from our client where this is not possible. Our current standard issue is the HP 840 series, which are Energy Star Certified.

Electricity Procurement:

We currently lease our space, so we are not the decision maker in the procurement of electricity. Our provider is Seattle City Light, the sole provider in Seattle. The electricity is renewable and comes from hydroelectric facilities. The city does have three green programs that utilize renewable energy projects and solar energy.

In the event we are in a situation where we can procure our own electricity provider, we strive to find a source with green energy.

Data Center Procurement:

For on-premise network equipment, Energy Star equipment needs to be factored into the decision-making process, along with cost and security.

Wimmer moved to the cloud to save costs and reduce our energy consumption. When picking a hosted cloud solution, green practices by the hosting company needed to be taken into consideration. In the event of a change, environmental practices are a requirement when picking a new provider.

Our current provider has pledged to the following: 100% renewable energy by 2025, water positive by 2030, zero waste certification by 2030 and net zero deforestation from new construction.

Wood Product / Paper Procurement:

Our company sees the value in choosing wood/paper products that are produced in a sustainable manner. When procuring paper and wood products the following should be taken into consideration: Where do the products originate, is it credible, and legal? Is it produced in a manner that is sustainable, protects sensitive habitat, climate conscious, and made of recycled fibers? Is it produced in a socially responsible manner?

Other Office Supply Procurement:

For office supplies and other items procured the following should be taken into consideration: Is the item a one-time use? If so, the product should be recyclable or compostable. All utensils and dishware that is not reusable need to be compostable.

Office supplies should be reusable and have an option to use refillable products such as tape or ink cartridges. Also ask the questions: Where do the products originate, is it credible, and legal? Is it produced in a manner that is sustainable, protects sensitive habitat, climate conscious, and made of recycled fibers? Is it produced in a socially responsible manner?

Clothing And Apparel Procurement:

When procuring clothing and apparel, the following should be taken into consideration: Where do the products originate, is it credible, legal? Is it produced in a manner that is sustainable, protects sensitive habitat, climate conscious, and made of recycled fibers? Is it produced in a socially responsible manner?

Choosing items that are sustainable, made of organic or recycled fibers, while being slightly more expensive, send a message that we are a global partner and should be considered over items that are not.

Ethical Treatment of Outsourced Data Centers Employees:

When procuring from outsourced centers, the ethical treatment of the hosts employees needs to be taken into consideration. When picking a provider, the following questions should be asked: Do their employees have benefits? Do the employees work reasonable hours? Are they paid a fair and competitive living wage? Do they suffer consequences for reporting conduct, policy or legal issues?

Our current host has been ranked by Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies for 9 years in a row.