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Sustainability has become a key criterion in public procurement in French-speaking Switzerland. According to Moniteur des adjudications, in the third quarter of 2023, the share of sustainability criteria in tenders rose by 17.8% compared to the first quarter of the same year.
Indeed, public administrations are increasingly required to demonstrate their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs – in particular goal 12 on responsible consumption and production), in accordance with the Federal Law on Public Procurement (LMP) and theOrdinance on Public Procurement (OMP).
Ainsi, nous voyons fleurir les clauses de développement durable dans les marchés publics.
This short, practical article is aimed at CSR managers and business leaders wishing to maximize sustainability points in their bids for public procurement contracts in French-speaking Switzerland.
It offers concrete strategies and resources to help you effectively integrate sustainability criteria into your tendering processes.
Understanding sustainability requirements in public procurement in French-speaking Switzerland
The obligation to take sustainable development into account public procurement is governed by several laws and regulations, both at federal and cantonal level.
The LMP, which came into force in January 2021, places an emphasis on ecological and social criteria.
It stipulates that public procurement must take sustainability principles into account throughout the purchasing process, from planning to contract execution.
Sustainability criteria can include aspects such as energy efficiency, use of environmentally-friendly materials, compliance with social standards and promotion of local SMEs.
According to the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (OFCL), these criteria must be clearly defined in invitations to tender, so that bids can be evaluated objectively.
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Best practices for maximizing sustainability points
Here are concrete strategies and methods for effectively integrating sustainability criteria into projects and maximizing their positive environmental impact.
Preliminary analysis and identification of sustainability criteria
To maximize sustainability points, you need to understand the specific criteria for each market. In this way, a preliminary study can identify the sustainability aspects most relevant to the project.
For example, theRecommendations for Green Public Procurement“published by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is a key a key resource resource in this respect. The former are based on the Knowledge Platform on Sustainable Public Procurement (KPP). This platform offers general recommendations as well as product-specific criteria for different commodity groups. For example, in the construction sector, the platform provides detailed criteria for the use of low-impact materials and the energy efficiency of buildings.
Justifying compliance with sustainability criteria in public procurement contracts
The inclusion of the SDGs in calls for tenders is achieved through the inclusion of clauses drafted in such a way as to encourage sustainable practices while remaining measurable and verifiable.
Example of a measurable, verifiable clause and justification procedure :
The wood and wood products used in this contract must come from sustainable production.
As a result, bidders must prove that the wood and wood products they use are :
- FSC or PEFC certified
- From Swiss forests managed according to the principles of sustainable development in compliance with the Swiss Forest Act (LFo).
The bidder undertakes to provide, on request, documents attesting to the origin of wood and wood products (certificates, supplier declarations, etc.).
This requirement applies to all wood products used permanently in construction (e.g. framing, flooring, doors) as well as to wood products used temporarily on site (e.g. formwork, palisades).
This clause is directly linked to SDG 15 (Life on Earth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
It is specific, measurable and verifiable, in line with the Confederation’s recommendations for integrating sustainability criteria into public procurement.
Project monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation allow us to measure progress, identify any necessary adjustments and ensure that a project’s sustainability objectives are met.
Setting up a monitoring and evaluation system
Monitoring and evaluation enable us to measure progress, identify necessary adjustments and ensure that a project’s sustainability objectives are met.
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) from the outset of the project, covering environmental, social and economic aspects.
- Establish a baseline and quantified targets for each indicator.
- Determine the frequency of data collection and those responsible for monitoring.
Assessment tools and methods
- Use tools such as the Compass21 to quickly assess a project’s sustainability profile.
- Carry out regular audits and produce progress reports.
- Conduct individual interviews and focus groups with stakeholders.
- Carry out mid-term and end-of-project evaluations.
Challenges and current solutions for taking social and environmental criteria into account
Despite the many benefits of integrating sustainability criteria into public procurement, challenges remain.
Among the most common are the perception of high up-front costs, administrative complexity and lack of specialist skills.
- Initial costs Although integrating sustainable practices may involve higher initial costs, these are often offset by long-term savings.
What’s more, various subsidies and financial assistance are available in Switzerland to support sustainable projects.
For example, the Confederation and cantonal building programs offers subsidies for energy-efficient building renovation. - Administrative complexity Managing sustainability aspects can add a layer of administrative complexity.
To alleviate this problem, we recommend the use of standardized tools and practical guides, such as those proposed by the FOEN and OFCL, or the Guide romand pour les marchés publics The latest version includes a method for assessing bidders’ contribution to sustainable development (see appendices Q5 and T5). - Lack of specialist skills : To overcome this challenge, it is important to train internal teams and call on external sustainability when necessary.
To conclude...
Integrating sustainability criteria into public procurement in French-speaking Switzerland is now a must.
Although challenges remain, the long-term benefits are undeniable.
By adopting a strategic approach and using available resources, companies can maximize their chances of success.
To help you take action, we offer you an online online CSR self-diagnosis tool.
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