environment
product responsibility
TELUS has had an environmentally responsible procurement policy in place since March 2003. The policy states that TELUS supports the purchase of recycled or environmentally preferred products whenever they perform satisfactorily and can be purchased for a reasonably competitive price. TELUS currently utilizes life cycle analysis on a case-by-case basis. For example, while renewing our contracts for the purchase of both printer cartridges and network switching components, an evaluation of each was done. The evaluations included components such as source of supplier (local versus international), percentage of components ultimately ending up in the landfill, nature of components toxicity, energy (used in construction or required to use the item) and finally cost. We intend to investigate a life cycle analysis tool for use in the application of our corporate sustainability policy in 2006.
Our standard supplier agreements contain clauses pertaining to environmental performance and include specific language intended to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial and local regulations. Engaging our suppliers in our vision of sustainability is of equal importance to achieving sustainability in our internal processes. To this end, we ask our suppliers to complete assessment forms whenever we enter into a new contract. Suppliers are queried regarding their own environ-mental management system, environmental record and procurement practices.
To learn more about our environmental policy, practices or targets, visit about.telus.com.