Partner selection criteria

The responsibility requirements of the partner to be selected are related to environmental performance, climate issues, social impacts of the project, ownership background and good governance. The partner’s previous experience in offshore wind farm construction and the domesticity of the project will also be taken into consideration when evaluating the tenders.

Climate and environmental issues as part of the operations

The partner – which may be a company or a consortium – in the offshore wind farm project is required to have a goal-oriented climate programme. In the selection process, the partner will report its climate risks and opportunities, which can be disclosed, for example, through Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures reporting, an international reporting framework for companies to include climate-related risks and opportunities in their financial reporting.

Sensitive marine nature will be taken into consideration in the construction of the offshore wind farm. For this reason, we require the partner’s environmental impact assessment to include a report on the measures taken to combat biodiversity loss. Having a certified environmental management system, such as ISO 14001, is an advantage.

Human rights, social impacts, work and safety must be in order

The offshore wind farm project partner is expected to comply with international human and labour rights commitments. These include UN human rights principles and the International Labour Organization ILO’s principles. They need to be taken into consideration in a transparent manner both in the partner’s own operations and in its subcontracting chains.

The partner is expected to have convincing occupational safety management arrangements and to be able to demonstrate good occupational safety practices.

The partner must also commit to systematic stakeholder interaction in accordance with a plan drawn up in advance.

Good governance and compliance with sanctions are a fundamental requirement

The partner to be selected must adhere to good governance practices and must have zero tolerance for corruption. Aggressive tax planning is unacceptable. Responsibility must also be taken into account in the criteria used for the remuneration of executives.

The partner undertakes to comply with the valid sanctions imposed by Finland, the EU and the United States. The partner’s management bodies, owners and beneficial owners will be reviewed, and there can be no sanctioned parties in the partner’s subcontractor network.

Assessed by an independent partner

Metsähallitus uses an independent external auditor, who assesses the different areas of responsibility. Responsibility requirements are also included in the partnership agreement.