NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap: Procurement framework for reducing supply chain emissions across the UK healthcare sector

Background

The NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap was introduced by NHS England as part of the broader “Delivering a Net Zero NHS” strategy. The NHS has committed to reaching net zero for emissions it directly controls by 2040 and for emissions it influences through purchased goods and services by 2045. Because supply-chain activities account for a significant share of NHS emissions, suppliers are expected to play a central role in meeting these targets.

The roadmap sets out a phased timeline of sustainability and procurement requirements extending through 2030. It combines carbon reporting obligations with procurement scoring mechanisms, and supplier engagement programs. The framework applies across NHS procurement categories, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, logistics, facilities management, construction, IT services, and professional services.

A key feature of the roadmap is the integration of sustainability into procurement evaluations. Since April 2022, all NHS procurements have included a minimum 10% weighting for net zero and social value considerations. The NHS also introduced escalating Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) requirements aligned with UK Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 006.

The roadmap is supported by additional tools and initiatives, including the Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment platform, which helps suppliers measure and disclose sustainability maturity, emissions reporting capabilities, and broader ESG practices.

Reporting Requirements

The NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap requires suppliers to meet sustainability and carbon-reporting requirements in order to compete for NHS contracts. Current operational requirements include:

• Carbon Reduction Plans (CRPs) - Suppliers bidding for NHS contracts must publish Carbon Reduction Plans aligned with UK government procurement guidance such as PPN 06/21 and PPN 006. These plans typically include Scope 1 and 2 emissions and selected Scope 3 categories, together with emissions-reduction commitments.

• Net zero and social value procurement weighting - NHS tenders include sustainability and social value criteria as part of procurement evaluations. Suppliers may be assessed on emissions reporting, sustainability policies, and decarbonization commitments.

• Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment - Suppliers are increasingly encouraged or required to complete the Evergreen assessment platform, which evaluates sustainability maturity, carbon reporting capability, and broader ESG performance.

Suppliers may need to provide supporting evidence relating to emissions data, reduction initiatives, environmental management practices, and supply-chain sustainability measures during procurement processes.

Current Status and Outlook

The NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap has become one of the UK healthcare sector’s most significant public-sector sustainable procurement frameworks. The roadmap is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, supplier qualification criteria, and sustainability disclosure expectations across NHS procurement systems.

Implementation continues through phased milestones extending toward 2030. Planned future requirements include product-level carbon footprint reporting for NHS suppliers from 2028 and expanded global Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reporting obligations from 2027. Meanwhile, NHS England and NHS Supply Chain provide guidance documents, webinars, and supplier support programs to help organizations meet the evolving requirements.

Resources

• NHS England – NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap - https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/

• NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap - https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2024/04/NHS-Net-Zero-Supplier-Roadmap-2024.pdf

• NHS Supply Chain – Net Zero Supply Chain and Suppliers - https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/programmes/sustainability/net-zero-supply-chain-and-suppliers/

• Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment - https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/news-article/evergreen-sustainable-supplier-assessment-what-suppliers-need-to-know-for-april-2026/