Fair, ecological procurement with Toolbox Sustainability
With the "Sustainability Toolbox", the Swiss Association of Master Builders, Infra Suisse and Bauenschweiz are providing a practical instrument for public awarding authorities and engineering firms. The aim is to systematically integrate ecological, social and economic criteria into construction tenders and thus pave the way for sustainable procurement.
The development of the toolbox was triggered by the revision of the Federal Act on Public Procurement. The focus is no longer solely on costs, but increasingly on issues of sustainability, fair working conditions and resource and climate protection. As a result, the procurement procedure is shifting from a pure price competition to a quality competition. A paradigm shift with opportunities, but also challenges.
The key question here is how sustainability criteria can be integrated into procurement processes in an objective, transparent and practicable manner
Contents and functions of the toolbox
The sustainability toolbox provides answers to precisely this question. It is web-based, trilingual and structured in such a way that it provides awarding authorities with concrete tools.
- Catalogue of eleven award criteria covering topics such as materials management, climate targets and fair working conditions
- Text modules, forms and evaluation tables for direct use in tenders
- Legal and practical explanations for the safe application of the criteria
- Practical examples that provide guidance in the tendering process
More clarity and commitment
The tool creates a common understanding between contracting authorities and subcontractors by formulating criteria in a measurable and verifiable way. This also makes participation in tenders more attractive for SMEs, as the framework conditions are clearer and fairer.
The overarching goal is to further develop tendering practice in Switzerland in such a way that quality, sustainability and innovation are honoured. Instead of simply competing for the lowest price, as is the case today.
Significance for the sector
The sustainability toolbox makes it possible to standardise how sustainable criteria can be incorporated into construction projects. This not only strengthens the awarding authorities, but also creates trust among clients and companies. The project shows that sustainability is not an add-on, but an integral part of a sustainable construction industry.