As a business you must understand how to embed ESG in your bids to stay competitive in 2025, as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) continues to shape procurement decisions, . Whether you’re a small business, growing SME, or seasoned supplier, integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into your tender submissions is no longer optional – it’s essential.
At Tendle, part of Aspire to Grow Ltd, we specialise in helping SMEs build values-led, high-scoring tenders that align with evolving public sector expectations. This guide walks you through what ESG means in a procurement context, why it matters more than ever, and how to embed it meaningfully into your bids.
What Is ESG in Procurement?
ESG in tenders refers to the evaluation of your organisation’s environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance standards during the procurement process. ESG criteria are increasingly influencing scoring thresholds, particularly in UK public sector contracts where Net Zero, social value, and ethical business conduct are top priorities.
- Environmental: Emissions reduction, sustainable materials, energy use, waste management
- Social: Diversity and inclusion, fair employment, community support
- Governance: Ethical behaviour, transparency, compliance, anti-corruption
As of 2025, ESG components can account for 20-40% of the quality score in public sector procurement, making it a vital aspect of your bid strategy.
Why ESG Matters in 2025 Tendering
Public procurement is now more values-driven than ever. Authorities are embedding ESG to meet sustainability targets, equality legislation, and climate action commitments. Buyers are actively seeking suppliers who:
- Reduce environmental impact
- Promote inclusive employment and social mobility
- Uphold ethical, fair governance structures
Even if your pricing is competitive, failing to demonstrate ESG commitments can cost you the contract.
Embedding ESG in your bids not only improves your chances of winning – it also enhances your organisation’s reputation, aligns you with future-facing policies, and fosters long-term partnerships with ethical buyers.
How to Embed ESG in Your Bids
Embedding ESG in your bids means going beyond buzzwords and offering concrete, measurable actions. Here’s how to do it:
1. Environmental Commitments
- Develop and publish a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) aligned with PPN 06/21
- Use electric or low-emission vehicles, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly packaging
- Minimise travel through remote working tools and route planning
- Track and report carbon emissions using reliable metrics
Need help with your Carbon Reduction Plan? Tendle can support your CRP preparation in full compliance with government requirements.
2. Social Contributions
- Recruit from underrepresented groups and promote workplace diversity
- Offer local apprenticeships, mentoring programmes, or school engagement activities
- Support community initiatives through donations, volunteering, or sponsorship
- Procure from ethical or local suppliers to boost regional economies
Tip: Use quantifiable metrics like:
- “£ spent with local suppliers”
- “Hours volunteered annually”
- “Number of apprenticeships created”
3. Governance & Transparency
- Implement anti-bribery, whistleblowing, and data protection policies
- Publish a Supplier Code of Conduct or an Ethical Trading Statement
- Train employees on ethical conduct and compliance frameworks
- Demonstrate transparency through reporting and audits
Reference: Ethical Trading Initiative – Base Code
ESG Bid Example Template
Here’s how a well-written ESG response might look:
Environmental: “We commit to reducing carbon emissions by 25% across all project logistics using electric vehicles and recyclable packaging. Data will be tracked monthly and reviewed quarterly.”
Social: “We will provide two apprenticeships for local residents and conduct three outreach sessions at local schools during the contract.”
Governance: “We adhere to a Supplier Code of Conduct, updated annually, and deliver mandatory anti-bribery training to all employees.”
Tendle offers tailored templates to help you embed ESG authentically and effectively.
Common ESG Mistakes in Bids (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with good intentions, many businesses fall short in their ESG approach. Here are the top pitfalls:
- Using generic statements without evidence or metrics
- Misaligning with the buyer’s ESG or social value goals
- Overpromising without a credible delivery plan
- Failing to include tracking, monitoring, or reporting methods
Our ESG Alignment Service ensures your bids are tailored, authentic, and meet both buyer and policy expectations.
Final Thoughts: ESG Is Your Competitive Edge
Embedding ESG in your bids is more than a requirement – it’s your opportunity to stand out. In 2025, tenders that reflect genuine environmental, social, and governance values will outperform generic submissions. ESG shows buyers you’re future-ready, responsible, and values-led.
Let Tendle help you write ESG-focused bids that win. Book a discovery call today at Tendle.co.uk and start submitting tenders that make an impact.
