Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania launch joint procurement for ESG platform development

In collaboration with partners from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania, the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, has announced a joint procurement aimed at finding a developer for an international web platform that supports companies’ sustainability journeys and reporting. The estimated cost of the procurement is 250,000 euros.

Standards are being developed across the European Union that allow all entrepreneurs to analyze their company’s supply chain and internal processes to identify significant impacts from environmental, social, and governance aspects. The methodology for the tool being developed is based on EU-wide standards (ESRS). The project will develop and pilot a solution consisting of a digital self-assessment tool, enabling companies to evaluate their operations based on EU-wide sustainability standards, and a website where recommendations are shared on how to effectively align their activities with the requirements.

“Assessing sustainability is a new and complex task for many entrepreneurs. We can alleviate the obligations placed on them with digital tools that help reduce administrative burden and simplify reporting,” said Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology of Estonia, Tiit Riisalo.

The platform will be created in English, Estonian, Finnish, Latvian, and Lithuanian and will be freely accessible to everyone. Project partner, the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL), will pilot the tool in Estonia at the beginning of next year.

ITL’s CEO, Doris Põld, believes that digitalization is seen not only as a competitive advantage but also as a tool for making industries more sustainable and energy-efficient. “At the same time, the information and communication technology (ICT) sector is expected to demonstrate more transparency and evidence that we provide services on sustainable grounds, both in Europe and globally. It is good if we can help entrepreneurs on this journey.”

A contract for the development work of the “ESG Tool” platform will be concluded with one provider for an expected duration of one year. Bids can be submitted in Estonian or English until July 5, 2024. An information session on the procurement will be held on June 18 from 10:00-11:00. The session will provide an overview of important procurement details, including project background, payment terms, development schedule, and methodology. Registration for the session is required through the public procurement register.

Developing the platform that simplifies sustainability reporting is part of a broader initiative promoting digital innovation and change in the Baltic Sea region. The project is funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region program, with a total budget of approximately 3.5 million euros.

Project partners include the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications as the lead partner from Estonia, and as partners, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Environment, the Environmental Investment Centre, ITL Estonia, and Let’s Do It Foundation from Estonia, DIMECC LTD and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment from Finland, LIKTA and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development from Latvia, INFOBALT and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation from Lithuania, and WAMA COOP from Poland. The project will conclude on December 31, 2025.

The joint procurement can be found at https://riigihanked.riik.ee/rhr-web/#/procurement/7156672/general-info

More information about the project: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/sustool/

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