At Genius Co-working, we believe every dollar we spend is an opportunity to create positive impact.
As part of our commitment to becoming a Certified B Corporation, we seek to purchase goods and services from suppliers who demonstrate responsible environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Procurement decisions are based not only on quality, service and value, but also on how suppliers contribute to people, communities and the environment.
Where practical, Genius Co-working prioritises suppliers that share our values, support local communities, operate ethically and actively create measurable social impact.
We recognise that small purchasing decisions, made consistently over time, can collectively have a significant positive effect.
Policy Principles
When selecting suppliers, Genius Co-working seeks to prioritise organisations that demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Operate ethically, honestly and transparently.
- Treat employees fairly and provide safe working conditions.
- Minimise environmental impacts.
- Support local communities and the New Zealand economy.
- Promote diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
- Demonstrate strong governance and responsible business practices.
- Hold recognised social or environmental certifications where appropriate (such as B Corp or equivalent).
- Deliver measurable community outcomes through their business model.
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Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to guide procurement decisions that align with Genius Co-working’s purpose of creating positive impact for our members, community and the wider economy.
Rather than selecting suppliers solely on cost, we consider the wider value each supplier creates through their operations and partnerships.
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Scope
This Policy applies to:
- all employees
- Directors
- Contractors
- Consultants
- Volunteers
- any person authorised to purchase goods or services on behalf of Genius Co-working.
It applies to all procurement activities regardless of purchase value.
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Supplier Selection Principles
When evaluating suppliers we consider:
3.1 Quality & Value
Suppliers must deliver products and services that meet operational requirements while providing fair long-term value.
Lowest cost will not automatically determine supplier selection.
3.2 Ethical Business Practices
Preference will be given to suppliers who demonstrate:
- ethical labour practices
- compliance with relevant legislation
- responsible governance
- transparent pricing
- responsible supply chains
- anti-corruption practices.
3.3 Environmental Responsibility
Where practical we seek suppliers who:
- reduce waste
- minimise packaging
- reduce carbon emissions
- offer environmentally preferable products
- recycle or reuse materials
- actively improve environmental performance.
3.4 Social Impact
We actively seek opportunities to direct procurement toward businesses creating positive social outcomes.
This includes suppliers that:
- employ disadvantaged groups
- support charities or community initiatives
- operate social enterprises
- invest back into their communities
- demonstrate measurable social impact.
As an example, Genius Co-working is an active purchaser through the Upstream marketplace, where eligible purchases help generate funding for New Zealand youth charities. We also intentionally selected Heartland as our printing provider because they participate in the Upstream network, allowing our everyday operational spending to contribute to positive community outcomes.
3.5 Local Procurement
Where practical we prioritise:
- Christchurch businesses
- Canterbury businesses
- New Zealand owned businesses
- local service providers
Provided they meet operational requirements.
Supporting local businesses strengthens our regional economy and contributes to resilient communities.
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Supplier Relationships
We believe suppliers are partners rather than simply vendors.
We aim to build long-term relationships based on:
- Trust
- Transparency
- Fairness
- Collaboration
- mutual benefit
- continuous improvement.
Where concerns arise, we will work constructively with suppliers before considering alternative providers where appropriate.
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Expectations of Suppliers
Where practical, Genius Co-working expects suppliers to:
- comply with all applicable laws
- operate safely
- respect human rights
- avoid forced or child labour
- provide fair employment conditions
- minimise environmental impacts
- conduct business honestly
- protect confidential information.
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Continuous Improvement
Recognising that no organisation is perfect, Genius Co-working encourages suppliers to continuously improve their environmental, social and governance performance.
Likewise, we will continue reviewing our own procurement decisions to increase the proportion of spending directed toward suppliers that create positive impact.
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Responsibilities
The Owner is responsible for implementing this Policy and approving significant supplier relationships.
Employees responsible for purchasing must consider this Policy when selecting suppliers and renewing contracts.
Where multiple suppliers provide similar quality and value, preference should be given to those demonstrating stronger environmental or social outcomes.
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Monitoring & Review
- This Policy will be reviewed annually as part of Genius Co-working’s governance framework and B Corp continuous improvement process.
- We will periodically review key suppliers to ensure they continue to align with our values and procurement principles.
- Where opportunities arise, we will increase procurement through suppliers that create measurable community benefit.
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Examples of Our Commitment
Genius Co-working demonstrates this Policy through practical action, including:
- Purchasing through the Upstream marketplace to support charitable giving linked to business procurement.
- Selecting Heartland as our preferred print supplier because they participate in the Upstream network, allowing everyday printing expenditure to contribute to youth charities.
- Preferring local Christchurch and New Zealand suppliers wherever practical.
- Considering environmental and social impact alongside quality, service and price when making procurement decisions.