This initiative began in 1996 through the Bavarian construction industry association, during a period when the German construction industry faced a series of corruption scandals. The initial goals centred on promoting integrity in the construction sector. It also provided for a method whereby companies pre-screened before participating in procurement procedures.

By 2007 the initiative spread beyond Bavaria and became a nationwide project in Germany. The goals of this initiative are:

• Foster integrity in the construction sector and to improve the industry's reputation.
• Fight corruption through implementation of an ethics management system and codification of corporate culture.
• Foster the perception of Corporate Social Responsibility.