Deadline: 19-Jun-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework for hospitals in India. The initiative aims to strengthen sustainability, social responsibility, and governance standards within healthcare institutions while supporting the integration of ESG principles into hospital operations and management systems.
Program Overview
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking qualified vendors and organizations to support the development of a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework for Indian hospitals.
The initiative is designed to promote sustainable healthcare practices, improve environmental performance, strengthen social responsibility, and enhance governance standards across healthcare institutions. The framework will help hospitals integrate ESG principles into their operational processes, decision-making systems, and long-term institutional strategies.
The procurement process is being conducted under UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP), which govern contracting and procurement activities across the organization.
Key Objectives
The proposed ESG Framework aims to:
- Develop a structured ESG framework tailored to hospitals in India.
- Strengthen environmental sustainability practices within healthcare facilities.
- Improve social responsibility standards across healthcare institutions.
- Promote transparency, accountability, and good governance practices.
- Support the integration of ESG principles into hospital management systems.
- Encourage responsible healthcare operations aligned with global sustainability goals.
Understanding ESG in Healthcare
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) refers to a set of standards used to evaluate an organization’s sustainability, ethical practices, and governance performance.
For hospitals, ESG may include:
Environmental Factors
- Energy efficiency and resource conservation.
- Waste management and biomedical waste disposal.
- Water conservation initiatives.
- Reduction of carbon emissions and environmental impact.
Social Factors
- Patient safety and quality of care.
- Employee well-being and workplace standards.
- Community engagement and public health initiatives.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Governance Factors
- Ethical leadership and decision-making.
- Regulatory compliance.
- Risk management and accountability.
- Transparency in institutional operations.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet UNDP’s procurement and vendor eligibility requirements.
Applicants may include:
- Consulting firms.
- Research organizations.
- Sustainability and ESG advisory firms.
- Healthcare management specialists.
- Organizations with expertise in healthcare sustainability and governance.
Applicants must:
- Possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract with UNDP.
- Be capable of delivering services within India directly or through an authorized representative.
- Comply with all UNDP procurement requirements.
- Ensure that employees, subcontractors, suppliers, service providers, and joint venture partners meet UNDP eligibility standards.
Applicants must not:
- Be suspended or debarred by any United Nations organization.
- Be declared ineligible by the World Bank Group.
- Be subject to sanctions imposed by international organizations.
- Conceal any sanctions or temporary suspensions that may affect eligibility.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important priority for healthcare institutions worldwide. Hospitals consume significant resources, generate large amounts of waste, and play a critical role in public health and community well-being.
The development of an ESG Framework for Indian hospitals can help:
- Improve environmental performance across the healthcare sector.
- Encourage responsible and sustainable healthcare operations.
- Strengthen governance and accountability mechanisms.
- Enhance stakeholder trust and institutional credibility.
- Support long-term resilience and sustainability in healthcare delivery.
The initiative also aligns with broader global efforts to promote sustainable development and responsible organizational practices.
Scope of Work
The selected organization is expected to contribute to the development of an ESG framework that may include:
- ESG assessment methodologies for hospitals.
- Sustainability performance indicators.
- Governance and accountability standards.
- Environmental management recommendations.
- Social impact measurement approaches.
- ESG implementation guidance for healthcare institutions.
- Monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
How to Apply
Interested organizations should follow these steps:
- Review the Request for Proposal documentation and procurement requirements.
- Assess organizational eligibility and compliance with UNDP standards.
- Prepare a technical proposal outlining relevant expertise and proposed methodology.
- Prepare any required supporting documents and organizational credentials.
- Confirm that all consortium members, subcontractors, and partners meet eligibility requirements.
- Submit the proposal according to the instructions provided in the RFP.
- Retain submission records and monitor communications from UNDP regarding evaluation and next steps.
Tips for Applicants
- Demonstrate experience in ESG, sustainability, healthcare, or governance projects.
- Highlight expertise in policy development and framework design.
- Clearly explain the proposed methodology and implementation approach.
- Ensure all compliance and eligibility declarations are accurate.
- Review procurement instructions carefully before submission.
- Verify that all supporting partners meet UNDP eligibility requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete proposals.
- Failing to disclose sanctions or eligibility concerns.
- Ignoring UNDP procurement requirements.
- Providing insufficient evidence of relevant experience.
- Missing required documentation.
- Overlooking partner and subcontractor compliance obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this RFP?
The RFP seeks support for developing an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework for hospitals in India to promote sustainable and responsible healthcare practices.
Who can apply?
Qualified organizations, consulting firms, advisory firms, research institutions, and other entities with relevant expertise may apply, provided they meet UNDP eligibility requirements.
What is ESG in the healthcare sector?
ESG refers to environmental, social, and governance standards that help healthcare institutions improve sustainability, accountability, ethical operations, and long-term performance.
Are sanctioned or debarred organizations eligible?
No. Organizations suspended, debarred, or otherwise declared ineligible by the United Nations, the World Bank Group, or similar international organizations are not eligible.
Can organizations work through local representatives?
Yes. Applicants may deliver services directly or through an authorized representative operating within the country.
What happens after a proposal is submitted?
UNDP will evaluate proposals according to its procurement procedures. Submission of a proposal does not guarantee contract award.
Is UNDP obligated to award a contract?
No. UNDP reserves the right to cancel the procurement process or decline to award a contract without incurring liability.
Conclusion
The UNDP Request for Proposal for developing an ESG Framework for Indian hospitals represents an important opportunity to advance sustainability, social responsibility, and governance standards within India’s healthcare sector. By establishing a structured ESG framework, the initiative aims to support hospitals in adopting responsible operational practices and strengthening long-term institutional resilience.
Organizations with expertise in healthcare sustainability, ESG strategy, governance, and framework development are encouraged to review the opportunity and submit proposals that can contribute to building a more sustainable and accountable healthcare ecosystem in India.
For more information, visit UNDP.
