Click to find out in plain speech your net zero obligations as a current or potential NHS supplier

If you are working within the UK healthcare sector providing materials, services or goods, you will be well aware of the importance of navigating the NHS procurement procedures and the implications on your business of falling short on them.

Making sure that products do what they should, and of course are safe to use, will be second nature, after all you know your subject inside and out. When it comes to questions on Carbon and Sustainability, we understand this can fall outside of your comfort zone.  Information to demystify Carbon Reduction Plans is one of the things that we are asked for most frequently at Blue Marble.

What is a Carbon Reduction Plan and do I need one?

From April 2024, whether you need a complete Carbon Reduction Plan or a standalone Net Zero Commitment depends on the value of your provision to the NHS.

If you offer goods, services, or materials in excess of £5 million (+VAT) per annum, you need a full Carbon Reduction Plan. This follows a specific layout which is consistent across government and local authority settings and is not only used by the NHS. It is called PPN 6/21. In order to complete it, you need to calculate your carbon footprint according to the relevant standards, lay it out in the correct format, establish targets and then forecast your future footprint going forward; ensuring that it puts you on the trajectory to meet the goals of the NHS.

If your NHS work is between £10 thousand and £5 Million per annum then you are entitled to submit a Carbon Reduction Plan, but it is not compulsory and your duty is limited to making a Net Zero Commitment. A Net Zero Commitment is a public commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 or earlier, and acts as confirmation you are taking steps to reduce Green House Gas emissions over time. The Net Zero Commitment requirements are a subset of the Carbon Reduction Plan requirements, therefore if you are already completing a Carbon Reduction Plan you do not need to make a separate Net Zero Commitment.

We can help with any of your NHS carbon requirements, including the Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment, so if you have any questions please contact us for helpful advice and support.

Tim Kemp

Head of Technical

Tim holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Resource Assessment. He initially specialised in land reclamation and remediation and later focused on Environmental Impact Assessments for renewable energy projects.