Procurement and sustainability
Like all water authorities, HHNK wants to contribute to a sustainable economy and society. Our sustainability goals are ambitious and are based on, among other things, the Climate Agreement (2010) and the SER Energy Agreement (2013). At the end of 2015, the climate conference was held in Paris. There, all participating countries agreed to a new binding climate agreement. This agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming. The urgency is high; the time for talking is over. What does that mean for our procurement?
HHNK sustainability goals
- 30% more energy-efficient and economical operation between 2005 and 2020
- 40% self-sufficient through own sustainable energy production in 2020 and 100% in 2050 (water authorities produce all the energy they need themselves).
- 30% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020 and 60% by 2050 compared to 1990 emissions
- 100% sustainable procurement
Socially Responsible Procurement
An organization that demonstrates social responsibility is expected to purchase products, services, or works with maximum sustainable value. This means that, in addition to price, we also consider the impact on people and the environment in the procurement process, and consider the possibility of contributing to the realization of policy objectives through procurement.
Environmental criteria documents are available for a large number of product groups, containing sustainability criteria that can be incorporated into tenders as requirements and award criteria. The minimum requirements serve as a baseline, which we always apply. Where possible, we apply the standard award criteria in order to raise the bar and further promote sustainability.
Sustainable Civil Engineering Approach
In January 2017, the Green Deal Sustainable Civil Engineering 2.0 was signed by more than 60 parties from the sector (including the water boards). The Green Deal aims to make sustainability an integral part of rail, ground, water, and road construction projects by 2020 and builds on the Green Deal Civil Engineering from 2013. The goal of the Green Deal is that by 2020, the Sustainable Civil Engineering Approach will be applied in all relevant civil engineering projects in planning, construction, tendering, management, and maintenance.
HHNK endorses the Sustainable Civil Engineering Approach and follows this approach for tenders with a contract value of €0.5 million or more. We have already gained considerable experience with theCO2 performance ladder tool.
Social return
HHNK cares about the socially disadvantaged in society. Where possible and appropriate, we encourage the participation of disabled people in the labor market.
Social return is included as a condition in our procurement, unless a reasoned explanation is provided as to why this is not possible or desirable (‘comply or explain’).
Social Return can be applied in various ways. For example, it can be an obligation for a contractor to employ people who are distanced from the labour market when carrying out the contract. Another possibility is to reserve public contracts for sheltered workshops and entrepreneurs whose main objective is the social and professional integration of disabled or disadvantaged people, rather than putting them out to tender. For each project, we investigate whether and how Social Return can be applied and regularly consult withNoorderkwartier NV.
At Social Return, we focus on the goal (showing commitment to community development) rather than the means itself.