NHS Net Zero Supplier Requirements – What You Need to Know
NHS Net Zero Supplier Requirements – What You Need to Know
In 2020, the NHS set a clear and ambitious goal: to become the world’s first net zero healthcare service. To achieve this, the NHS now requires all of its suppliers to demonstrate real commitments to sustainability and responsible business practices.
The expectations are set out in the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, which includes five key compliance areas – known as the Five Asks. Every supplier working with the NHS must show how they meet these requirements, with deadlines already in place.
The Five Asks
1. Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP)
From April 2024, all new suppliers (regardless of contract value) must have a Carbon Reduction Plan.
Existing suppliers bidding for high-value contracts (over £5m per year, excl. VAT) must also provide a CRP.
For lower-value contracts (£10k–£5m per year), suppliers must at least have a Net Zero Commitment.
Your CRP must:
Use the PPN 06/21 template.
Be published online or provided as a PDF if no website exists.
Be updated annually.
Include explanations and timelines if certain data is not yet available.
2. Social Value Requirements
Since April 2022, NHS procurements include at least 10% weighting on social value. The NHS uses the Government’s Social Value Model to evaluate bids, focusing on:
Fighting climate change
Supporting COVID-19 recovery
Tackling inequality
Promoting equal opportunity
Improving wellbeing
Suppliers are expected to:
Outline what actions will be taken during the contract.
Show an understanding of the product/service’s social impact.
Provide measurable KPIs to track progress.
3. Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment
This is an online self-assessment tool that helps suppliers understand and improve their sustainability performance.
Must be completed annually before tender deadlines.
Can be updated throughout the year.
Provides a maturity score and signposts areas for improvement.
4. Net Zero Supplier Roadmap
The roadmap sets clear milestones:
From April 2027: Suppliers must publicly report targets, emissions, and a CRP aligned with NHS net zero goals.
From April 2028: Guidance will be issued for carbon footprints of individual products supplied.
By 2030: Only suppliers showing progress against the roadmap (via reporting, CRP updates, and Evergreen Assessment) will qualify for NHS contracts.
5. Modern Slavery – PPN 02/23
The NHS requires suppliers to take active steps to prevent modern slavery risks:
All suppliers must complete the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool (MSAT) annually and score at least 41%.
Organisations with a turnover above £36m must publish a Modern Slavery Statement including:
Company structure and supply chains
Policies against slavery and trafficking
Due diligence and risk management processes
KPIs and progress reporting
Staff training
How Beyond Procurement Can Help
Meeting the NHS Five Asks can feel overwhelming, especially for suppliers with limited resources. At Beyond Procurement, we make the process simple and achievable by:
Carbon Reduction Plans – We create compliant CRPs aligned with PPN 06/21, update them annually, and support accurate emissions calculations.
Social Value Strategy – We help you design responses that maximise your social value score and provide measurable KPIs.
Evergreen Assessment Support – We guide you through the online tool, improve your maturity score, and build a pathway for progress.
Net Zero Roadmap Alignment – We develop a clear, staged plan to meet NHS deadlines and ensure you remain eligible for contracts beyond 2030.
Modern Slavery Compliance – We support your MSAT submission, help prepare modern slavery statements, and establish due diligence processes.
With our expertise in sustainability, procurement, and compliance, we ensure you not only meet NHS requirements but also strengthen your position as a trusted, responsible supplier.