Business services and procurement

Did you know suppliers and business providers can have a significant impact on the carbon footprint of practices?

Look for sustainable suppliers and providers, sourcing locally wherever possible

Look for recycled and sustainable materials

Stock check regularly to reduce waste

Use principles of reduce, reuse, recycle

Considering the environmental and ethical impact of our suppliers and business providers can have a significant impact on the carbon footprint of practices.

The NHS has committed to reaching net zero by 2040 for the emissions we control directly, and by 2045 for the emissions we influence, through the goods and services we buy from our partners and suppliers. To achieve this goal, we will require the support of all our suppliers.

We recognise that not all suppliers are at the same stage of their net zero journey, but in primary care we must continue to work closely with regulators, suppliers and industry bodies to shape our approach and give all suppliers the opportunity to align with our net zero ambition.

All of our practices should take the following action to reduce our carbon footprint:

Look for sustainable suppliers and providers and ask yourself: Do they have a sustainability or ethical policy?
Source locally where possible.
Look for recycled and sustainable materials, for example – paper.
Stock check regularly to reduce waste.
Use principles of reduce, reuse, recycle; Consider whether an item can be repaired or repurposed before disposing of it and; if an item is no longer needed by your practice but still in good working order, another practice may be able to make use of it.

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In September 2021, one year on from the publication of the Delivering a net zero NHS report, the NHS England Public Board approved a roadmap to help suppliers align with our net zero ambition between now and 2030. This approach builds on UK Government procurement policy (PPN 06/20 and PPN 06/21).

The Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment is a tool for suppliers to engage with the NHS on their sustainability journey and understand how to align with NHS net zero ambition. It serves as a pathway for communications and data gathering between suppliers and NHS decision makers across NHS organisations and will provide a mechanism for suppliers to showcase their net zero progress and wider sustainability efforts.

Further information that can be shared with suppliers can be accessed here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/get-involved/suppliers/.