NHS Net Zero Ambitions
These targets are:
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For the emissions controlled directly (the NHS Carbon Footprint), the NHS will reach net zero by 2040, with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by between 2028 and 2032;
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For the emissions which can be influenced (the NHS Carbon Footprint Plus), the NHS will reach net zero by 2045, with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by between 2036 and 2039.
For the NHS a considerably large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions are as a result of their supply chain activity. The NHS has released a supply chain net zero road map setting out their expectations for suppliers and their related environmental responsibilities.
Where do GHG Inventory and Carbon Neutrality Fit into Net Zero Ambitions?
‘Net Zero’ National Health Service Report
The NHS have formed a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service report to demonstrate existing and future capabilities in reporting and reducing carbon emissions. In July 2022, through the Health and Care Act 2022, the NHS was the first health system to embed net zero ambitions into legislation.
For the many organisations supplying to the NHS, they must now prepare to match or beat NHS commitments and goals.
So, what does the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap mean in practise?
| From April 2023: | The NHS will require suppliers bidding for contracts above £5 million per annum to produce and publish a Carbon Reduction Plan for scope 1 and 2 emissions and a subset of scope 3 emissions in alignment with UK Gov PPN 06/21 (Procurement Policy Note). |
| From April 2024: | The NHS will widen the requirement of PPN 06/21 as above to cover all procurement activity regardless of the value. |
| From April 2027: | The NHS will require all suppliers to release a Carbon Reduction Plan for all scope 1, 2 and 3 emission sources. |
| From April 2028: | The NHS will determine new requirements to oversee the provision of carbon foot printing for specific supplied products to the NHS. Information on the scope and methodology will be provided. |
| From 2030: |
The NHS will only qualify suppliers to bid for NHS contracts if they can demonstrate their progress through published progress and carbon emissions reporting through the supplier framework. |
How can NQA Support NHS Goals?
NQA supports the NHS and its supply chain in their journey to Net Zero. With a team of experienced carbon and environmental experts, NQA are best placed to provide Verification services against carbon specific standards such as ISO 14064-1 and PAS 2060.
Much of the initial targets from the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap aligns to the existing UK Government Procurement Policy PPN 06/21. See below as to how our services meet PPN 06/21 ambitions and satisfy NHS requirements:
ISO 14064-1 (GHG Inventory Verification)
GHG Inventory verifies the carbon footprint and associated data of an organisation, as well as mitigation activities and relevant reporting. Companies who are seeking compliance with PPN 06/21 are able to do so through the requirements of ISO 14064-1 and are able to seek trusted recognition for their efforts through NQA Verification.
PAS 2060 (Carbon Neutrality Verification)
Carbon Neutrality also satisfies the requirements of PPN 06/21 through its measuring, reducing, and reporting framework. However, it goes beyond this and sets out provisions for businesses in using recognised and meaningful carbon offsets to achieve carbon neutrality.
Please fill out the form below if you would like to keep up-to-date on all future communications about how NQA is working to help the NHS meet its net zero ambitions:
PAS 2060 Toolkit
What's next
Get in touch today to begin your journey to a greener, more sustainable business and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your requirements:
