Sustainability audit on the joint procurement of AV equipment and services

Hansel conducts an annual sustainability audit of one joint procurement. In 2025, the sustainability audit was carried out on the 2023–2026 AV Equipment and Services framework agreement.​

Based on the sustainability analysis process, AV Equipment and Services was awarded Hansel’s ecolabel, social responsibility label and economic responsibility label.​​ The sustainability audit covered all aspects of sustainability, and it was based on the requirements of the Code of Conduct contract appendix.

The purpose of the sustainability audit was to determine how well the requirements and obligations related to sustainability set in the contract are met and to obtain an objective view of the supplier’s ability to meet the requirements related to sustainability. ​​In addition, the purpose was to identify potential areas for development. ​

The sustainability audit was carried out in two phases:​​

• Supplier self-assessment​​
• Office audit (Teams interview)

Prior to the interview, suppliers were requested to submit preliminary information and background material, which helped to focus on the essentials in the interview. Through 21 themes, the audit reviewed the supplier’s processes and expertise related to sustainability management, ethical business practices, supply chain management, labour-related obligations, human rights in the supply chain, environmental protection and conflict minerals.

Sustainability requirements are met well

All audited suppliers fulfilled the terms of the contract and were able to demonstrate the production locations and other required information for randomly selected products.

The supplier-specific result of the sustainability audit is based on the objects assured in the audit. The audit did not reveal any critical deviations, and the findings were typical for the industry.

Common areas for development among suppliers:​

• There is no risk management model or i is at the group-level without a clear link to operations in Finland and practical supplier and product selection.​
• The systematic collection of manufacturing location data was found to be challenging.
• With regard to conflict minerals, the fulfilment of obligations varied; this was something completely unfamiliar to some. ​

Most common positive observations from the audit:​

• At the group level, there is good expertise and the processes are in order.
• Sustainability reports and sustainability policies are publicly available.
• Operations are certified, standards are used, there is international cooperation in the industry and various pledges have been made, for example, related to conflict minerals.

The suppliers have received a summary of their own audit results, deviations observed in the audit and recommended areas for development. In 2026, we will arrange a follow-up meeting with each supplier and monitor the progress of the agreed development measures.

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