For example, if you’re a construction company designing and building a development of houses, you might propose a target of zero waste to landfill during construction. This won’t count towards your social value offering as it is part of managing the impact of the contract delivery. However, if as part of your tender submission you propose a tree planting scheme in conjunction with a local wildlife charity, this would provide environmental benefits which are above and beyond the contract scope.
Detailed guidance on the model is available here; however, below are the award sub-criteria together with examples taken from the guidance on appropriate activities which might demonstrate the tenderer’s approach.
Deliver additional environmental benefits in the performance of the contract including working towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions
- Showing an understanding of additional environmental benefits, for example by conducting pre-contract engagement activities with a diverse range of organisations in the market to support the delivery of additional environmental benefits.
- Collaborative working with the supply chain to deliver additional environmental benefits, including working towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
- Delivery of additional environmental benefits such as enhancing the natural environment through habitat creation, increasing biodiversity, or the creation of new green spaces such as through the installation of green walls or rooftop gardens.
Influence staff, suppliers, customers and communities through the delivery of the contract to support environmental protection and improvement
- Showing an understanding of how to influence staff, suppliers, customers, communities and other stakeholders through the delivery of the contract to support environmental protection and improvement.
- Activities to reconnect people with the environment and increase awareness of ways to protect and enhance it. For example, training and education to influence behaviour to reduce waste and use resources more efficiently in the performance of the contract, or providing volunteering opportunities for the contract workforce.
Reporting metrics for Theme 3 focus on outputs, for example, the number of people-hours spent protecting and improving the environment under the contract or the number of green spaces created. Providing quantities at the tender stage of the contract will help provide a more complete picture of the social value being offered and support the quality and processes underpinning the proposed activities.
For more information on responding to social value tender questions, you can contact us free on 0800 612 5563 or email info@executivecompass.co.uk.