On 9 June 2026, NHS England published an update to its roadmap for engaging suppliers on Net Zero. The new guidance sets out the Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) requirements that apply to its procurement from 1 April 2027.
What is the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap?
The NHS aims to become the world's first Net Zero health system. It has committed to:
- Net Zero for direct emissions by 2040
- Net Zero for the wider supply chain by 2045
With around 60% of the NHS's carbon footprint sitting in its supply chain, suppliers are central to whether these targets are met. The NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap sets out the steps suppliers need to take to align with the NHS target. The ultimate aim is for suppliers to take practical steps to reduce emissions, and to demonstrate that progress with credible emissions data.
In this latest update, the NHS has built on and expanded what it expects from suppliers in terms of target setting and data reporting.
2024 vs 2027 NHS CRP requirements
The new NHS Carbon Reduction Plan requirements introduce a two-tier system of reporting. There are now two types of plan. The table below recreates the NHS's own summary comparison (Annex 2 of the guidance) and is worth reading carefully, because it separates three different things: what the 2024 tier asks for, what the 2027 tier makes mandatory, and what the NHS recommends as best practice on top. The recommended column is where suppliers aiming to stay ahead, rather than just compliant, should set their sights.
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