NHS England has published new guidance setting out what suppliers need to do from April 2027 as part of the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap – their shared commitment to reaching net zero by 2045.

From 1st April 2027, the NHS will implement new proportionate requirements for suppliers to publicly report targets, emissions and publish the Carbon Reduction Plan for all of their relevant global scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Following extensive engagement with stakeholders, NHS England has now published the guidance, 2027 NHS Carbon reduction plan requirements for the procurement of NHS goods, services and works along with the Market sounding findings: net zero supplier requirements from April 2027. Together, these documents set out the approach to Scope 3 target setting and reporting, and outline how stakeholder feedback has informed the final policy approach.

The development of this guidance has been a collaborative effort and builds on the feedback received through engagement activities. It supports delivery of the NHS’s net zero commitment, as set out in Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service, whilst providing clarity for procurement teams and suppliers on what is required and how to prepare for the requirements that will go live from April 2027.

Suppliers can utilize available support to meet the requirements through:

• Upcoming NHS England Webinars on the requirements, Tuesday 16th June at 11am BST and Tuesday 23rd June at 2pm BST, as well as future webinars and additional on demand support videos here.
• NHS England’s Sustainable Supplier Accelerator Programme – providing support on areas like carbon accounting and target setting.
• The UK Business Climate Hub – hosting a range of free to use resources, tools and calculators.
• Utilizing the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment to check the content of their CRP against the requirements of the policy using the maturity levels.