Green Buildings: Developing Carbon Reduction Plans to support the NHS with Net Zero

NHS suppliers bidding for contracts exceeding £5 million per annum need to develop and publish a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) under the UK government's Procurement Policy Note 06/21. In preparation for our upcoming NHC Convenzis speaking appointment, in our latest insight we delve into the significance of these requirements brought in since April 2023, the steps suppliers must take to comply, and how our company, Delta-Simons, a trusted provider of sustainability services, can assist in creating comprehensive CRPs. 

A Critical Step Towards Net-Zero for the NHS

The NHS has set an ambitious goal to become the world's first net-zero health service. Recognising its significant carbon footprint, the NHS aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 for the emissions it directly controls and by 2045 for the emissions it indirectly influences through its partners and suppliers. To attain these targets, collaboration from all suppliers to the NHS is essential.

In 2021, the NHS introduced the Greener NHS National Programme, along with a plan to align suppliers with the net-zero goal by 2030. The next milestone in this roadmap arrives in April 2023, when suppliers bidding for contracts exceeding £5 million annually must disclose a Carbon Reduction Plan for their UK Scope 1, 2, and a subset of Scope 3 emissions, in line with Procurement Policy Note 06/21. This crucial step will ensure transparency and accountability in the reduction of carbon emissions throughout the supply chain.

Understanding the Procurement Policy Note 06/21

To support the UK's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the government introduced the Procurement Policy Note 06/21. This policy requires suppliers bidding for major government contracts to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and publish a Carbon Reduction Plan. Enacted in September 2021, this policy obliges major public sector suppliers, including those to the NHS, to outline existing and proposed mitigation measures for carbon reduction.

Your Path to a Carbon Reduction Plan

Developing a comprehensive Carbon Reduction Plan involves several key steps:

1. Conduct a carbon assessment: A carbon assessment analyses how an organisation's activities contribute to global emissions. It provides insights into climate-related impacts and forms the basis for developing a carbon reduction plan.
2. Calculate your carbon footprint: By collecting data on various aspects of the business, such as utility consumption and product delivery, an organisation can calculate its carbon footprint. Delta-Simons, with its expertise in sustainability and carbon services, help clients obtain a comprehensive understanding of their emissions.
3. Set targets to reduce emissions: Setting targets is crucial for demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Science-Based Targets, aligned with the Paris Agreement, provide an internationally recognised standard for reducing emissions.

The Significance of Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions

To accurately address carbon emissions, it is essential to understand the different scopes of emissions:

1. Scope 1 emissions: These are direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the organisation. Examples include emissions from owned vehicles, on-site fuel combustion, and refrigerant leaks.
2. Scope 2 emissions: These are indirect emissions resulting from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam. These emissions occur from sources that are owned or controlled by a third party but are used by the organisation.
3. Scope 3 emissions: These are indirect emissions from activities that occur outside the organisation's control but are linked to its operations. Scope 3 emissions can include activities such as business travel, transportation of goods, and supply chain activities.

The new requirements for NHS suppliers focus on reporting Scope 1, Scope 2, and a subset of Scope 3 emissions. Suppliers will need to identify and quantify the emissions associated with their operations and supply chain, ensuring a comprehensive approach to carbon reduction.

Procuring Green Suppliers for Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Plans

Delta-Simons, part of the Lucion Group, is a leading provider of environmental consultancy and sustainability services. With their expertise, they can assist NHS suppliers in developing comprehensive Carbon Reduction Plans. By partnering with Delta-Simons, suppliers gain access to the following benefits:

1. Carbon assessment and footprint calculation: Delta-Simons will conduct a thorough carbon assessment, analysing the supplier's operations and identifying areas of high emissions. This assessment forms the basis for calculating the supplier's carbon footprint accurately.
2. Science-Based Targets: Delta-Simons can help suppliers set ambitious but achievable Science-Based Targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. These targets provide a framework for reducing emissions in line with global climate goals.
3. Mitigation strategies and action plans: Based on the carbon assessment, Delta-Simons will work with suppliers to develop tailored mitigation strategies and action plans. These plans will outline specific measures to reduce emissions and improve sustainability performance.
4. Monitoring and reporting: Delta-Simons supports suppliers in implementing robust monitoring and reporting systems to track progress towards carbon reduction goals. Regular reporting ensures transparency and enables suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

Learn More at the NHS Convenzis Event

To gain a deeper understanding of the upcoming requirements for NHS suppliers and the development of Carbon Reduction Plans, join Kim Johnson, Group Head of Business Development, and Rob Molyneux, Sustainability Unit Director at Delta-Simons, at the Convenzis NHS Estates and Facilities Conference 2023. Their expertise and insights will provide valuable guidance on how suppliers can prepare for the changes and navigate the path towards net-zero emissions.

As the NHS continues its journey towards becoming a net-zero health service, suppliers play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. The new requirements for NHS suppliers to develop and publish Carbon Reduction Plans mark an important step towards achieving sustainability goals. 

By partnering with our teams across the Lucion Group, suppliers can ensure comprehensive and effective plans that align with government regulations and contribute to a greener future. Get in touch with us by emailing info@luciongroup.com.