Surrey Sustainable Materials Procurement Bylaw

Surrey, British Columbia municipalities increasingly require sustainable materials in public procurement to meet climate and waste-reduction goals. This guide summarizes how Surrey integrates sustainability into purchasing for public projects, the offices responsible, typical requirements, compliance steps and remedies. It is oriented to contractors, suppliers, project managers and municipal staff who must apply bylaws, policies and procurement rules when bidding on or delivering city-funded construction and infrastructure work. Where specific numeric penalties or a named form are not published on the cited procurement page, this article notes that and directs readers to the appropriate city contact for verification.^[1]

Scope & Key Rules

Surrey incorporates sustainability goals into procurement through corporate procurement policies and project-specific contract documents. Requirements commonly include lifecycle material selection, recycled-content thresholds, low-carbon concrete or asphalt specifications, certification preferences (e.g., environmental product declarations), and supplier reporting on material provenance and diversion.

How Requirements Are Applied

• Contract documents and specifications include sustainable-material clauses or performance metrics.
• Evaluation criteria may award points for demonstrated sustainable sourcing or lower lifecycle emissions.
• Pre-bid meetings and addenda clarify acceptable product standards and testing requirements.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is managed by the City of Surrey procurement and project managers in collaboration with By-law Enforcement and Contract Compliance teams. Where specific fine amounts, escalation steps or time limits are required, those figures are not specified on the cited procurement page and project-specific contract remedies or provincial rules may apply; confirm with the city contact listed below.^[1]

• Fines or penalties: not specified on the cited page; contract terms or bylaw schedules will state amounts.
• Escalation: first offence, repeat or continuing noncompliance typically treated under contract default procedures or bylaw enforcement — not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remedy, stop-work notices, requirement to replace materials, withholding of payment, contract termination, and referral to court or adjudication bodies.
• Enforcer: City of Surrey Procurement/Contract Compliance and By-law Enforcement; complaints and inspections are handled through official city channels.
• Inspection and complaint pathway: submit concerns to the city procurement or by-law office; see Help and Support / Resources below.
• Appeal/review: appeals generally follow contract dispute resolution procedures or municipal review routes; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

Project-specific procurement forms, bid submission checklists and compliance certificates (for recycled content or EPDs) are provided with tender documents. A general, consolidated sustainable-procurement application form is not published on the cited procurement page; bidders should consult the tender package or contact procurement for required attachments.^[1]

Action Steps for Suppliers and Project Managers

• Review tender documents for material requirements and acceptable standards before bidding.
• Assemble evidence: certificates, test data, EPDs, and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Budget for compliance costs and include them in pricing or request clarification on alternatives during the inquiry period.
• Contact the City procurement officer listed in the tender for clarifications or to request a variance before bid close.

FAQ

Do Surrey bylaws require specific recycled-content percentages for public projects?

Requirements vary by project and are set out in tender specifications; a single citywide percentage is not specified on the cited procurement page.^[1]

Who enforces sustainable-material clauses in contracts?

Procurement contract managers and Contract Compliance teams enforce clauses, with support from By-law Enforcement for regulatory matters.

Can contractors apply for an exemption or variance?

Variances or approved equivalents are decided case-by-case through procurement or project authorities; follow the bid clarification and contract change processes.

How-To

1. Review the tender documents and identify all sustainable-material requirements and mandatory certifications.
2. Collect supporting documentation such as EPDs, recycled-content certificates and test reports for each specified material.
3. Ask procurement clarifying questions during the question period and request written confirmation of acceptable alternatives if needed.
4. Include compliance evidence in your submission and keep originals available for inspection during construction or delivery.
5. If noncompliance is alleged, respond promptly to the city’s notice, supply corrective plans, and follow dispute-resolution steps in the contract.

Key Takeaways

• Read tender documents closely for material standards and required evidence.
• Maintain traceable documentation for recycled content and product declarations.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Surrey Procurement & Supply Chain
• City of Surrey By-law Enforcement
• City of Surrey Planning & Development

1. [1] City of Surrey Procurement & Supply Chain — official procurement policy and tender information (current as of February 2026).