Sustainable procurement: social clauses and CSR impacts from a highway perspective

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is embedded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This indicates the importance of the social responsibility aspects of highway construction contracts contributing to the decarbonisation agenda. Social clauses and CSR in the highway sector has little published literature. A structured survey collected data from all consultants and contractors awarded highway construction design and construction contracts in Northern Ireland with only one non-response. Quantitative and qualitative data on existing social clauses from a consultant and contractor perspective was compared. Findings indicate government social clauses did not have a strong effect on decarbonisation thus, it requires more work. The impact of adding additional clauses from the EU green deal should be implemented alongside existing clause elements in both Bulgaria and the UK. Differences in priorities from a consultant and contractor perspective were proven suggesting bespoke CSR clauses are required. Case study indicates many positive requiring retention.