Sustainable procurement

BLS is pursuing a new approach in its procurement policy and is increasingly integrating social and ecological criteria into invitations to tender. Since 2023, sustainability has been taken into account every time a product group is created or revised. Since 2024, every invitation to tender has been reviewed to determine which sustainability criteria can be included, and ultimately, specific social and environmental sustainability criteria are to be included in 50 per cent of invitations to tender from 2025. As early as 2023, for example, the CO₂ emissions generated during transport were defined as an award criterion for contracts for the overhaul of brake components. Transport is an important driver of emissions in this procurement business.

BLS requires its suppliers to fulfil internationally recognised minimum standards, such as those listed in the United Nations Global Compact for Corporate Responsibility. This commitment is demanded in the form of contractual agreements and self-declarations.

BLS is working to optimise cooperation with its suppliers in terms of sustainability. In order to create a common understanding of what responsible procurement means for BLS, guidelines were drawn up in the form of a supply chain policy. These guidelines describe the expectations of BLS and its suppliers.