General Terms and Conditions

1. Scope

These GTC serve as standard provisions unless otherwise agreed. In case of conflicts between various documents, the following order of precedence applies:

1. Offer

2. Plans, correspondence, etc. related to the offer

3. General Terms and Conditions

4. Swiss Code of Obligations

2. Offers

Non-binding estimates

Unless the offer explicitly includes a flat or unit price, it is to be understood as a non-binding estimate. Billing is based on actual work performed.

Validity of offers

Offers issued by Naturnetz remain valid for 60 days from submission to the customer, unless otherwise stated in the offer.

Orders

An offer signed by the customer is considered a binding order. Orders made via email, orally, or by implied conduct are also binding.

Rates

Current rates are subject to federal subsidies (financial support for group operations in nature conservation). Naturnetz reserves the right to adjust its rates at any time if federal funding changes or is discontinued.

3. Execution

General

Naturnetz is only obliged to begin work once all structural, technical, and legal requirements have been met.

Permits and plans

Obtaining the necessary permits is the responsibility of the customer. All permits must be in place at the time of ordering. The customer must also provide a site plan indicating underground infrastructure, existing utilities, and other relevant information (e.g. plant populations to be protected).

Deadlines

Agreed execution dates are indicative. For weather-dependent work, delays may occur. Material and plant procurement times must be considered. Legal changes or unforeseeable directives (e.g. COVID quarantines) may cause short-term schedule changes. Naturnetz adheres to current regulations and strives to deliver as planned.

Availability of civil service workers

Naturnetz implements work with civil service workers, and their availability depends on demographic, political, and legal factors (Federal Civil Service Office). Availability cannot be guaranteed.

Plants and soil

Plants are considered delivered to the customer on the agreed planting day, even in their absence. If plants or materials are provided by the customer, Naturnetz is only responsible for correct execution of the work. If Naturnetz supplies the plants or seeds, it is only responsible for defects (e.g. failure to grow) if it is also contracted for at least one growing season (typically one year) of maintenance. This guarantee does not apply in cases of external damage (e.g. wildlife, pests). Maintenance costs must be agreed separately. Soil is inspected based on its external appearance; no liability is accepted for hidden defects (e.g. nutrient deficiencies, invasive species).

Hourly work (time and material basis)

Work is generally billed on a time and materials basis. Unless otherwise agreed, the following apply:

• Travel to and from the site is charged

• Use of hand tools is included; special equipment (e.g. brush cutters) is billed separately

• Parking, signage, installations, water use, etc. are billed separately

• Material prices are ex warehouse; preparation and transport costs may be billed additionally

Additional work

Work required for proper execution but not foreseen in the original scope will be billed separately. If the value does not exceed 15% of the offer total, the customer is obliged to pay even without prior approval. For higher amounts, written approval is required.

Warranty and liability

If Naturnetz is responsible for defects, the customer may demand correction, unless it causes disproportionate effort. Naturnetz decides how the defect will be rectified (repair or replacement). If rectification is unreasonable, a price reduction may be requested. Naturnetz is not liable for force majeure, third-party actions, or indirect damage. Liability is limited to gross negligence or intent.

Retention of ownership

Until full payment is received, all deliverables remain the property of Naturnetz if removable without damage. In case of late payment and after written notice, Naturnetz may remove items at the customer’s expense. Claims for further damages remain unaffected.

Intellectual property

All technical documents and other materials remain the intellectual property of Naturnetz. Any use, sharing, reproduction or publication requires written consent.

Acceptance

Acceptance is carried out jointly or assumed if the customer does not attend or fails to request it.

4. Payment terms

Partial and final invoices

Naturnetz may issue partial or advance invoices based on work progress. For major material orders, prepayment may be requested. Final invoices are issued upon project completion.

Invoicing

Invoices are generally sent electronically. Paper invoices can be provided upon request.

Work reports

Work reports are not provided unless explicitly requested by the customer.

Payment deadlines

Payments must be made within 30 days unless otherwise agreed. Discounts and reductions apply only if agreed in writing.

5. Miscellaneous

Publications

Naturnetz is entitled to use project descriptions (with customer name but without cost details) in its communications (annual reports, website, social media, etc.).