Carbon Reduction Plans for NHS Suppliers
What NHS suppliers need to know about Carbon Reduction Plans, the April 2027 NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap milestone, and how this links to your Evergreen Assessment.
PPN 006 and PPN 06/21: which does your tender mean?
PPN 006 carries forward the Carbon Reduction Plan policy using the terminology of the Procurement Act 2023. PPN 06/21 remains relevant to procurements and contracts under the previous rules. The reference in your tender matters, so check the procurement documents before deciding what to report.
The Cabinet Office explains the transition in its PPN 006 frequently asked questions. The underlying carbon policy has not changed simply because the reference number changed. NHS requirements can extend beyond this foundation, including the expanded April 2027 reporting tier described below.
Download the free guided Carbon Reduction Plan template if you are preparing your own plan. If you already have a draft, send Joanna your tender requirement, deadline and existing plan for a free initial review. Any detailed technical work and fee will be agreed separately.
April 2027 NHS Carbon Reduction Plan requirements
From 1 April 2027, updated CRP requirements apply to in-scope NHS procurements. NHS England has taken a tiered approach:
- Higher-value contracts and new NHS frameworks: May need a more detailed CRP covering Scope 1, 2 and all relevant Scope 3 emissions.
- Lower-value procurements: May continue to use the 2024 CRP requirement where relevant and proportionate.
- If your CRP is basic or out of date: Now is a good time to check whether it is likely to meet future NHS expectations.
What is changing from April 2027?
For the expanded 2027 NHS CRP tier, suppliers must report global Scope 1, Scope 2 and all relevant Scope 3 emissions for the chosen reporting entity. The minimum net zero commitment remains 2050 or earlier. Relevant lower-value procurements continue to use the 2024 CRP tier, aligned with PPN 006. Check the procurement route, value and buyer’s instructions; new frameworks and dynamic markets can bring smaller suppliers into the expanded tier.
If you know your tender pipeline includes higher-value NHS contracts or new framework applications, reviewing your CRP now gives you time to strengthen it proportionately. NHS England also runs supplier support webinars and Sustainable Supplier Accelerator resources to help suppliers understand the requirements.
How this links to your Evergreen Assessment
Evergreen is not separate from your Carbon Reduction Plan. Your CRP is one of the key pieces of evidence that supports your Evergreen maturity level.
Level 1 — Suppliers need a published Carbon Reduction Plan aligned to PPN requirements, with a net zero commitment, Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reporting, and the five specified Scope 3 categories. This remains the foundation for most suppliers.
Level 2 and above — Expectations move closer to the April 2027 NHS roadmap direction, including broader emissions reporting, more comprehensive Scope 3 evidence and global organisational boundaries where relevant.
If you have received No Level Awarded, or if you are unsure whether your CRP is strong enough to support your submission, I can review your current position and explain what needs to change.
NHS Evergreen guide · No Level Awarded support · Frequently asked questions · Full 2027 guide
What a current CRP must include
A Carbon Reduction Plan that meets PPN 006 requirements must include:
- Commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050
- Baseline emissions for Scope 1, 2 and a subset of Scope 3 categories
- Current emissions and year-on-year comparison
- Specific carbon reduction measures and targets
- Declaration signed by a board director or equivalent
- Publication on your company website
The five Scope 3 categories required under PPN 006
The government’s PPN 006 technical standard specifies the following five categories, alongside Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions:
- Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution
- Category 5: Waste generated in operations
- Category 6: Business travel
- Category 7: Employee commuting
- Category 9: Downstream transportation and distribution
The April 2027 NHS CRP requirement for in-scope procurements extends to all relevant Scope 3 categories.
Where CRPs are currently required in NHS procurement
The NHS introduced CRP requirements for new contracts above £5 million per annum from April 2023, then extended carbon requirements proportionately to all new procurements from April 2024. The required evidence depends on the procurement. From April 2027, the two CRP tiers apply to relevant new procurements. Read the NHS supplier roadmap and your tender documents.
Suppliers without a compliant CRP may be excluded from the procurement process. Always check specific tender documentation, as requirements vary by contract.
Common questions
Straightforward answers on CRP requirements.
What is a Carbon Reduction Plan and do I need one? A Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) is a document setting out your organisation’s commitment to net zero and your plan to achieve it. Whether a full CRP is required depends on the buyer, procurement route and contract value. NHS carbon requirements were extended proportionately to all new procurements from April 2024. From April 2027, updated requirements will apply to in-scope procurements. It must include baseline emissions, current emissions, reduction measures and a director’s declaration.
What must a compliant Carbon Reduction Plan include? A PPN 006 compliant CRP must include a net zero by 2050 commitment, baseline emissions for Scope 1, 2 and selected Scope 3 categories, current emissions with year-on-year comparison, specific reduction measures and targets, a signed director declaration and publication on your company website.
Which Scope 3 categories are required under the current CRP requirements? The defined five-category Scope 3 subset under PPN 006 (and its predecessor PPN 06/21) covers Category 4 (upstream transportation and distribution), Category 5 (waste generated in operations), Category 6 (business travel), Category 7 (employee commuting) and Category 9 (downstream transportation and distribution). The April 2027 NHS CRP requirements go further, requiring all relevant Scope 3 emissions for in-scope procurements.
How does my Carbon Reduction Plan relate to the Evergreen Assessment? Your CRP provides the emissions data referenced in Evergreen questions. Evergreen asks for evidence of your published CRP and progress against the relevant maturity criteria. Both should use consistent data, boundaries and reporting periods. The current Evergreen Level 2 criteria align with the expanded April 2027 NHS CRP requirements.
Do the April 2027 NHS CRP requirements apply to every supplier? Not automatically in the same way. NHS England has set out a tiered approach. Higher-value contracts, new frameworks and dynamic markets may require a 2027 NHS Carbon Reduction Plan covering Scope 1, Scope 2 and all relevant Scope 3 emissions. Lower-value procurements may continue to use the 2024 CRP requirement where relevant and proportionate. The best approach is to understand which tier is likely to apply to your tender pipeline.
More questions? See the full FAQ page or get in touch directly.
Your evidence pack is more than a Carbon Reduction Plan
For Level 1, start with the published Carbon Reduction Plan, its underlying calculations and approval. Modern slavery and social value evidence may also be needed under applicable legislation, your tender or higher Evergreen criteria. These are not universal additional Level 1 documents for every supplier. Check what applies to your organisation and keep your documents and portal answers consistent.
The Evergreen Evidence Pack is designed to help suppliers create, strengthen and align the full range of documents that sit behind their assessment, not just the Carbon Reduction Plan.
Need a Carbon Reduction Plan created or improved?
I can help you create or improve your Carbon Reduction Plan as part of building your evidence pack. We’ll agree what you need after the initial review.
For an example, see how I worked with Phoenix Care to build a Carbon Reduction Plan the team could understand and use, with a documented baseline and practical priorities.
Have a CRP but still received No Level Awarded?
A focused review will check your CRP against Level 1 requirements and identify any alignment gaps between your documents and portal answers.
The TPB Foods case study shows how reviewing the evidence and its alignment with the submission helped resolve a “No Level Awarded” result.
Related reading and support
Need help deciding what belongs in your footprint? Download my free Scope 3 guide (PDF). It covers all 15 categories, a screening worksheet and practical tips for collecting the evidence. No email required.
Free guided Carbon Reduction Plan template
Start with The Guided Carbon Reduction Plan, an editable Word template with practical guidance, worked examples and preparation checklists. No email required. Check your tender’s reporting scope before using it.
Need your Carbon Reduction Plan reviewed?
Get in touch to discuss the most proportionate next step for your business.