RFP & tender support

Q: What do we define as key sustainability goals and how will we measure progress?

You'll need to provide tangible evidence such as emissions data (Scope 1, 2, and often Scope 3), third-party certifications (e.g., ISO 14001), DEI metrics, and supporting policies. These ESG RFP requirements vary based on industry and region. As part of our ESG consulting for tenders, we help clients quickly identify exactly which data points will meet or exceed current standards for their sector and geography, forming the basis of a solid proposal checklist.

Q: How do I practically calculate and present Scope 3 emissions for a tender?

Scope 3 emission reporting can be complex, especially for organisations with extended or global supply chains. Tools and methodologies exist that streamline this process, and our team works alongside clients to ensure results are robust, audit-ready, and suitable for inclusion in a Request for Proposal ESG submission. Let’s review your supply chain for efficient data capture and help strengthen your ESG supplier assessment.

Q: What’s the best approach to ensure my bid’s ESG claims are credible and not seen as greenwashing?

Materiality, transparency and verifiable data are critical: buyers now expect proof, not just promises. We assist clients in assembling the right mix of case studies, certifications, and metrics, with ESG bid writing support that ensures your ESG story aligns with expectations for ESG due diligence and sustainable procurement. Our approach helps you stand out while supporting supplier selection processes that prioritise integrity. The focus areas differ by client: manufacturers may emphasise carbon emissions and resource efficiency, while technology companies often highlight data privacy, ethical sourcing, and supply chain responsibility.

Q: What are the main frameworks we can use for peer benchmarking?

At Nexio Projects, we use over 40 benchmarking tools and frameworks, including ratings and certifications such as EcoVadis, B Corp, CDP, Sustainalytics, Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), MSCI, ISS ESG and Refinitiv. We also use benchmarking tools such as the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) rankings and non-financial disclosures from companies themselves.

Q: How do we structure our ESG evaluation criteria or scoring grid to maximise competitiveness in tenders?

Scoring grids should tie directly to both regulatory benchmarks and buyer priorities. We support ESG integration in procurement by creating tailored ESG criteria and risk management frameworks. Our templates help ensure alignment with ESG scoring models and highlight your strengths, while identifying where additional detail could give you a competitive edge. We’ll work with you to customise these tools to your next Request for Proposal (RFP).

Q: Do you submit RFP responses on Nexio’s behalf, or only help us respond?

Nexio Projects is a consultancy. We support your organisation to prepare, proof, and optimise your own RFP/tender submissions. We are also open to connect with in case you are launching an ESG-driven RFP for which you are seeking bidders.

Q: Can you help us with ESG-driven tenders only, or general RFPs with ESG criteria?

Both. Whether ESG is the central criteria or one among many, we help you excel and meet all sustainability-related requirements and expectations.

Q: How soon should we engage Nexio Projects?

The earlier the better, but we deliver impact at any stage, with greatest value when brought in at bid planning or RFP analysis stage.

Q: How does Nexio Projects support procurement teams and RFP issuers?

We partner with you to design and develop stronger RFPs, integrating ESG best practices from the start to build a more sustainable, future-ready supplier base. Sustainability criteria development: We work collaboratively to craft measurable ESG requirements, scoring frameworks, and evaluation criteria tailored to your procurement objectives and aligned with the latest standards and market expectations. Supplier engagement & outreach: We help you communicate ESG expectations to your suppliers, with the development of your sustainable supply chain strategy. Regulatory & market benchmarking: We ensure your RFPs and procurement requirements are mapped to leading local and global ESG regulations and industry benchmarks, so you set the pace and remain ahead of regulatory shifts

Q: What makes Nexio Projects different from other consultancies?

Nexio Projects’ blend of technical ESG know-how, deep cross-sector experience, and tailored strategies for both buyers and suppliers sets us apart from traditional consultancies and ensures you get support exactly where you need it. Tailored RFP support: Nexio Projects customises its approach for every tender, whether ESG is a single element or the focus of the submission. We adapt our services to your unique needs and ambitions. Extensive standards expertise: Our team works with all major sustainability frameworks—including CSRD, GRI, TCFD, Science-Based Targets, ISO14001, EcoVadis, B Corp, and more—ensuring robust, credible ESG strategies and reporting. Proven industry experience: With 400+ clients across 25+ sectors—including shipping & logistics, manufacturing, technology, and consumer goods—our experts bring deep real-world perspective to every project. Buy-side supply chain expertise: We have hands-on experience advising buyer organisations on supplier engagement, ESG risk assessment, and due diligence, helping companies drive supplier performance and meet evolving compliance standards. Customer-side ESG engagement: Nexio Projects also supports clients in crafting ESG strategies, progress plans, and interim reports for RFP submissions, ensuring your sustainability story is compelling and audit-ready. Holistic, results-focused: Our pragmatic, hands-on approach brings together strategy, data, and communications—turning ESG compliance into a proven business advantage. No 'one size fits all': Every solution is designed specifically for your sector, size, and RFP objectives—whether you’re leading multinational supply chains or starting your sustainability journey.

Get the tools, expertise, and hands-on partnership needed to respond successfully to sustainability-driven RFPs and tenders. As global procurement rapidly shifts to ESG requirements, Nexio Projects helps you move from simple compliance to purpose-led, winning bids.

Talk to an expert

Work with us

Your vision
Our insight

As your strategic ESG partner, we help you navigate and respond to RFPs with confidence, ensuring sustainability considerations are embedded across your proposals and business approach.

400+

CEOs, CFOs and sustainability teams we’ve supported on their sustainability journey

40+

benchmarks, rating agencies and methodologies in our benchmarking pool

highly qualified experts including advisors to multinationals on procurement ESG and due diligence strategies, ready to support your sustainability goals

Our approach

ESG-driven RPFs, simplified

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are now a core part of tender and RFP evaluations. Depending on the industry and project, ESG factors can represent 10% to 50% of the total score—and sometimes more in high‑risk sectors.

Environmental

Carbon footprint, energy efficiency, waste management, resource use, and climate risk management.

Social

Diversity and inclusion, labour practices, health and safety, community engagement, and human rights.

Governance

Ethical conduct, anti-corruption policies, data privacy, board diversity, and supply chain transparency

Our services

Your dedicated ESG RFP support partner

How our RFP support process works
Topic-specific support

Nexio Projects offers targeted assistance on particular ESG topics, such as climate reporting, supply chain due diligence, or policy development, ensuring your organisation addresses critical requirements for RFPs and tenders.
Full ESG strategy

Nexio Projects provides end-to-end ESG strategy development, supporting organisations to integrate sustainability holistically across their business and strengthen their tender submissions.
Data management & reporting

Nexio Projects streamlines your ESG data collection, management, and reporting processes, aligning outputs with required regulatory frameworks so your tenders are backed by reliable evidence.
Certifications & ratings

Nexio Projects guides your organisation in achieving and leveraging leading ESG certifications and ratings (e.g., EcoVadis, CDP, B Corp), making your tender submissions more credible and competitive.
Supplier engagement

Nexio Projects helps you extend ESG requirements throughout your supply chain, supporting supplier onboarding, monitoring, and capacity building to ensure robust tender submissions.

How can we support you?

Discovery & briefing

We clarify the scope, scoring, and ESG specifics of your RFP or tender.

Gap analysis

Assess your baseline against the tender’s ESG criteria and best practices.

Strategy & narrative

Co-create your value proposition, select evidence, and shape ESG messaging.

Drafting the response

We help write, review, and optimise every ESG-relevant section of your RFP response.

Final review

Conduct a final compliance and scoring review to ensure your bid stands out.

How can we support you?

Conduct

deep dives into your specific ESG topic of interest—whether carbon disclosure, human rights due diligence, or setting science-based targets.

Review

existing policies, practices, and reporting approaches to identify strengths and gaps against evolving tender requirements.

Facilitate

ssue-focused workshops and interviews with internal and external stakeholders to clarify current performance and expectations.

Develop

actionable recommendations and tailored documentation that directly respond to the relevant RFP’s ESG sections.

Map out

clear next steps to address identified gaps, improve compliance, and build a persuasive case for your tender submission.

How can we support you?

Perform

a comprehensive analysis of your organisation’s sustainability ecosystem, covering industry benchmarks, value chain impacts, regulations, stakeholders, and financial considerations.

Lead

stakeholder engagement sessions to understand your ESG ambitions, priorities, and current activities.

Design

tailored roadmaps that outline key initiatives, responsibilities, and milestones aligned with your material ESG topics.

Facilitate

gap analyses to highlight where your current approach meets or falls short of best practice and RFP requirements.

Present

a clear business case for ESG transformation—detailing the benefits of proposed actions and risks of maintaining the status quo.

How can we support you?

Assess

your current approach to data collection, verification, and reporting in line with CSRD, GRI, SBTi, and other recognised standards.

Support

the setup or improvement of systems and processes to ensure high-quality, auditable ESG data for tenders.

Run

stakeholder workshops to identify data owners, clarify reportable topics, and facilitate consistent data flows.

Prepare

clear and compliant reporting templates and narratives to address common RFP reporting requirements.

Evaluate

your data management maturity and providing a roadmap for ongoing improvement, enabling you to build trust with tender evaluators.

How can we support you?

Review

your readiness for various ESG certification schemes relevant to your sector and RFPs.

Facilitate

the collection and organisation of required evidence and supporting documents for assessments.

Host

readiness workshops and mock assessments to prepare internal teams for certification and rating processes.

Advise

on the integration of certification achievements into strategic RFP responses.

Map out

a timeline and action plan to achieve, maintain, and communicate ESG ratings in future tenders.

How can we support you?

Review

and enhance your sustainable procurement policies and supplier codes of conduct in line with tender demands.

Conduct

supply chain ESG risk assessments and supplier mapping exercises to identify critical impacts and due diligence needs.

Facilitate

supplier engagement workshops and capacity building sessions to drive improvement and compliance.

Develop

tools, checklists, and templates for supplier data collection and monitoring aligned with RFP requirements.

Present

impact analysis and recommendations showing how supplier engagement activities strengthen your overall ESG position in tenders.

How our RFP support process works

How can we support you?

Discovery & briefing

We clarify the scope, scoring, and ESG specifics of your RFP or tender.

Gap analysis

Assess your baseline against the tender’s ESG criteria and best practices.

Strategy & narrative

Co-create your value proposition, select evidence, and shape ESG messaging.

Drafting the response

We help write, review, and optimise every ESG-relevant section of your RFP response.

Final review

Conduct a final compliance and scoring review to ensure your bid stands out.

Topic-specific support

Nexio Projects offers targeted assistance on particular ESG topics, such as climate reporting, supply chain due diligence, or policy development, ensuring your organisation addresses critical requirements for RFPs and tenders.

How can we support you?

Conduct

deep dives into your specific ESG topic of interest—whether carbon disclosure, human rights due diligence, or setting science-based targets.

Review

existing policies, practices, and reporting approaches to identify strengths and gaps against evolving tender requirements.

Facilitate

ssue-focused workshops and interviews with internal and external stakeholders to clarify current performance and expectations.

Develop

actionable recommendations and tailored documentation that directly respond to the relevant RFP’s ESG sections.

Map out

clear next steps to address identified gaps, improve compliance, and build a persuasive case for your tender submission.

Full ESG strategy

Nexio Projects provides end-to-end ESG strategy development, supporting organisations to integrate sustainability holistically across their business and strengthen their tender submissions.

How can we support you?

Perform

a comprehensive analysis of your organisation’s sustainability ecosystem, covering industry benchmarks, value chain impacts, regulations, stakeholders, and financial considerations.

Lead

stakeholder engagement sessions to understand your ESG ambitions, priorities, and current activities.

Design

tailored roadmaps that outline key initiatives, responsibilities, and milestones aligned with your material ESG topics.

Facilitate

gap analyses to highlight where your current approach meets or falls short of best practice and RFP requirements.

Present

a clear business case for ESG transformation—detailing the benefits of proposed actions and risks of maintaining the status quo.

Data management & reporting

Nexio Projects streamlines your ESG data collection, management, and reporting processes, aligning outputs with required regulatory frameworks so your tenders are backed by reliable evidence.

How can we support you?

Assess

your current approach to data collection, verification, and reporting in line with CSRD, GRI, SBTi, and other recognised standards.

Support

the setup or improvement of systems and processes to ensure high-quality, auditable ESG data for tenders.

Run

stakeholder workshops to identify data owners, clarify reportable topics, and facilitate consistent data flows.

Prepare

clear and compliant reporting templates and narratives to address common RFP reporting requirements.

Evaluate

your data management maturity and providing a roadmap for ongoing improvement, enabling you to build trust with tender evaluators.

Certifications & ratings

Nexio Projects guides your organisation in achieving and leveraging leading ESG certifications and ratings (e.g., EcoVadis, CDP, B Corp), making your tender submissions more credible and competitive.

How can we support you?

Review

your readiness for various ESG certification schemes relevant to your sector and RFPs.

Facilitate

the collection and organisation of required evidence and supporting documents for assessments.

Host

readiness workshops and mock assessments to prepare internal teams for certification and rating processes.

Advise

on the integration of certification achievements into strategic RFP responses.

Map out

a timeline and action plan to achieve, maintain, and communicate ESG ratings in future tenders.

Supplier engagement

Nexio Projects helps you extend ESG requirements throughout your supply chain, supporting supplier onboarding, monitoring, and capacity building to ensure robust tender submissions.

How can we support you?

Review

and enhance your sustainable procurement policies and supplier codes of conduct in line with tender demands.

Conduct

supply chain ESG risk assessments and supplier mapping exercises to identify critical impacts and due diligence needs.

Facilitate

supplier engagement workshops and capacity building sessions to drive improvement and compliance.

Develop

tools, checklists, and templates for supplier data collection and monitoring aligned with RFP requirements.

Present

impact analysis and recommendations showing how supplier engagement activities strengthen your overall ESG position in tenders.

Why choose ESG-driven RFP support?

Organisations that embed ESG considerations into their RFP processes are better equipped to manage risks, foster innovation, and gain a competitive edge over the long term.

<40%

of companies across sectors are on track to meet their sustainability commitments

42%

of companies with poor ESG performance are less likely to have contracts renewed, often at worse terms if renegotiated.

75%

of executives believe they haven’t effectively embedded sustainability into their business

Get in touch with our experts

9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Replies within 24 hours

Jatin Budhraja

Sustainability Advisory Lead

Specialist in ESG regulation and reporting, including standard interpretation, gap analysis, materiality assessment, process set-up, data collation and consistency and audit readiness. Ex-EY & KPMG CFA, MBA INSEAD

FMCG

Industrial products

Industrial technology

Insurance

Media

Telecom

Testimonials

On the side of integrated sustainability

Nexio’s understanding of how different sustainability assessment and management systems interconnect is invaluable – it’s enabled us to streamline our organisation-wide reporting activities to maximise efficiency.

Max Roodbol

Team Lead Risk, Compliance & Sustainability at Burando Atlantic Group

View case study

Defining our sustainability efforts is a key challenge. That’s why we asked Nexio Projects to support us in integrating sustainability into our vision and mission.

Gijs Hemmink

Sustainability Manager at
Hanzestrohm

View case study

Nexio Projects provided practical and actionable suggestions to build on our existing sustainability roadmap, empowering our teams to make more impactful contributions.

Willeke Muno

Sustainability Manager at
Dekkers International

View case study

Insights

Blog

Winning tenders with ESG: How Nexio Projects gives you the edge

Blog

How to navigate the growing importance of ESG in technology sector RFPs

Guide

KPI cheat sheet

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What do we define as key sustainability goals and how will we measure progress?

You'll need to provide tangible evidence such as emissions data (Scope 1, 2, and often Scope 3), third-party certifications (e.g., ISO 14001), DEI metrics, and supporting policies. These ESG RFP requirements vary based on industry and region. As part of our ESG consulting for tenders, we help clients quickly identify exactly which data points will meet or exceed current standards for their sector and geography, forming the basis of a solid proposal checklist.

How do I practically calculate and present Scope 3 emissions for a tender?

Scope 3 emission reporting can be complex, especially for organisations with extended or global supply chains. Tools and methodologies exist that streamline this process, and our team works alongside clients to ensure results are robust, audit-ready, and suitable for inclusion in a Request for Proposal ESG submission. Let’s review your supply chain for efficient data capture and help strengthen your ESG supplier assessment.

What’s the best approach to ensure my bid’s ESG claims are credible and not seen as greenwashing?

Materiality, transparency and verifiable data are critical: buyers now expect proof, not just promises. We assist clients in assembling the right mix of case studies, certifications, and metrics, with ESG bid writing support that ensures your ESG story aligns with expectations for ESG due diligence and sustainable procurement. Our approach helps you stand out while supporting supplier selection processes that prioritise integrity. The focus areas differ by client: manufacturers may emphasise carbon emissions and resource efficiency, while technology companies often highlight data privacy, ethical sourcing, and supply chain responsibility.

What are the main frameworks we can use for peer benchmarking?

At Nexio Projects, we use over 40 benchmarking tools and frameworks, including ratings and certifications such as EcoVadis, B Corp, CDP, Sustainalytics, Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), MSCI, ISS ESG and Refinitiv. We also use benchmarking tools such as the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) rankings and non-financial disclosures from companies themselves.

How do we structure our ESG evaluation criteria or scoring grid to maximise competitiveness in tenders?

Scoring grids should tie directly to both regulatory benchmarks and buyer priorities. We support ESG integration in procurement by creating tailored ESG criteria and risk management frameworks. Our templates help ensure alignment with ESG scoring models and highlight your strengths, while identifying where additional detail could give you a competitive edge. We’ll work with you to customise these tools to your next Request for Proposal (RFP).

Do you submit RFP responses on Nexio’s behalf, or only help us respond?

Nexio Projects is a consultancy. We support your organisation to prepare, proof, and optimise your own RFP/tender submissions. We are also open to connect with in case you are launching an ESG-driven RFP for which you are seeking bidders.

Can you help us with ESG-driven tenders only, or general RFPs with ESG criteria?

Both. Whether ESG is the central criteria or one among many, we help you excel and meet all sustainability-related requirements and expectations.

How soon should we engage Nexio Projects?

The earlier the better, but we deliver impact at any stage, with greatest value when brought in at bid planning or RFP analysis stage.

How does Nexio Projects support procurement teams and RFP issuers?

We partner with you to design and develop stronger RFPs, integrating ESG best practices from the start to build a more sustainable, future-ready supplier base.

Sustainability criteria development: We work collaboratively to craft measurable ESG requirements, scoring frameworks, and evaluation criteria tailored to your procurement objectives and aligned with the latest standards and market expectations.

Supplier engagement & outreach: We help you communicate ESG expectations to your suppliers, with the development of your sustainable supply chain strategy.

Regulatory & market benchmarking: We ensure your RFPs and procurement requirements are mapped to leading local and global ESG regulations and industry benchmarks, so you set the pace and remain ahead of regulatory shifts

What makes Nexio Projects different from other consultancies?

Nexio Projects’ blend of technical ESG know-how, deep cross-sector experience, and tailored strategies for both buyers and suppliers sets us apart from traditional consultancies and ensures you get support exactly where you need it.

Tailored RFP support: Nexio Projects customises its approach for every tender, whether ESG is a single element or the focus of the submission. We adapt our services to your unique needs and ambitions.

Extensive standards expertise: Our team works with all major sustainability frameworks—including CSRD, GRI, TCFD, Science-Based Targets, ISO14001, EcoVadis, B Corp, and more—ensuring robust, credible ESG strategies and reporting.

Proven industry experience: With 400+ clients across 25+ sectors—including shipping & logistics, manufacturing, technology, and consumer goods—our experts bring deep real-world perspective to every project.

Buy-side supply chain expertise: We have hands-on experience advising buyer organisations on supplier engagement, ESG risk assessment, and due diligence, helping companies drive supplier performance and meet evolving compliance standards.

Customer-side ESG engagement: Nexio Projects also supports clients in crafting ESG strategies, progress plans, and interim reports for RFP submissions, ensuring your sustainability story is compelling and audit-ready.

Holistic, results-focused: Our pragmatic, hands-on approach brings together strategy, data, and communications—turning ESG compliance into a proven business advantage.

No 'one size fits all': Every solution is designed specifically for your sector, size, and RFP objectives—whether you’re leading multinational supply chains or starting your sustainability journey.