As you may be aware, the NHS net zero supplier road map has published new guidance outlining the NHS requirement for all Carbon Reduction Plans (CRP) to be proportionately extended to cover all procurements from 1st April 2024.
The NHS net zero supplier roadmap sets out the steps suppliers must take to align with the NHS net zero commitment. The Net Zero Commitment is a public commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 or earlier, and a confirmation that the supplier is taking steps to reduce their GHG emissions over time.
To ensure the Carbon Reduction Plan requirements are extended in a proportionate and relevant manner to all procurements from April 2024, the policy will be applied and implemented in a two-tiered approach as follows:
- a full Carbon Reduction Plan will be required for procurements of high value (£5m per annum exc. VAT and above) and new frameworks operated by in-scope organisations, irrespective of the value of the contract, where relevant and proportionate to the framework
- a Net Zero Commitment, will be required for procurements of lower value (below £5m per annum exc. VAT and above £10k exc. VAT)
The requirements apply to the commissioning and purchasing of goods, works and services (including pharmaceuticals and healthcare services) by in-scope organisations. In-scope organisations are defined as NHS organisations as well as organisations acting on their behalf.
In addition, EOECPH will be contacting suppliers on existing frameworks to understand whether they already have a Carbon Reduction Plan in place, and we will update our records accordingly. This information gathering exercise will not impact your status on an existing framework, as plans are only required for new frameworks and contracts.
The relevant category teams will be in touch with you shortly to request this. Alternatively, you can email your plans to your relevant Hub contact.
For further information on this, please refer to the guidance published by NHS England.
Further guidance can be found via the cabinet office FAQs on carbon reduction plans: Procurement Policy Note 06/21: Taking account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the procurement of major government contracts – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Please refer to the above guidance to support you in ensuring that your organisation aligns to the requirements prior to the 1st April 2024.