NatureScot has a comprehensive Sustainable Procurement Policy, which helps ensure purchasing decisions support its net zero objectives.

The policy encourages changes in purchasing behaviour by requiring consideration of factors such as whether a purchase is necessary, how products are manufactured and disposed of, and whether the purchase supports wider sustainability goals.

The procurement approach embeds sustainability throughout the decision-making process, helping to ensure that contracts are awarded to suppliers that meet NatureScot’s sustainability requirements. This includes the option not to procure goods or services that do not meet the required standards.

NHS England has committed to reaching net zero by 2040 for emissions it directly controls and by 2045 for emissions it can influence, including those associated with purchased goods and services. To support this ambition, NHS England has published a Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, which sets out clear expectations for suppliers. From 2030, suppliers will only be eligible for NHS contracts if they can demonstrate progress towards net zero through emissions reporting and published carbon reduction plans.

The roadmap includes the following milestones:

• From April 2022, all NHS procurements must include a minimum 10% weighting for net zero and social value.
• From April 2023, suppliers bidding for new contracts worth more than £5 million per year must publish a Carbon Reduction Plan covering their UK Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, together with a minimum set of Scope 3 emissions.
• From April 2024, Carbon Reduction Plan requirements apply to all new procurements.
• From April 2027, all suppliers must publicly report emissions and targets and publish a Carbon Reduction Plan covering global Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions aligned with NHS net zero objectives.
• From April 2028, new requirements will be introduced for carbon footprint reporting of products supplied to the NHS.

NHS Scotland’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy 2022-26 sets out actions to support Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.

NHS Scotland has committed to a range of actions to reduce supply chain emissions, including:

• Developing supplier guidance for procurement that sets out circular economy expectations and the support available.
• Identifying environmental and social impacts through life cycle assessment and considering whole-life costs when evaluating tenders.
• Applying the Scottish Government’s sustainable procurement tools in all purchasing decisions.
• Monitoring carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and air pollution associated with suppliers

Glasgow City Region’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy sets out five strategic objectives for procurement, including mitigating climate change and reducing emissions.

The strategy focuses on working with suppliers to demonstrate their contribution towards the region’s net zero targets and supporting them to reduce emissions. Glasgow City Region aims to use procurement as a tool to reduce Scope 3 emissions and to develop and share best practice guidance across its supply chain.

Newport City Council has set a target to reach net zero by 2030. Data from 2020/21 showed that procurement activities accounted for 77% of the council’s carbon emissions. As a result, reducing emissions from procurement became a priority, with the council working closely with suppliers to support decarbonisation efforts.

Engagement with suppliers revealed a range of responses. Some organisations were highly engaged and able to provide sustainability reports and energy consumption data quickly, while others had limited experience of emissions reporting and sustainability management.

To improve supply chain engagement and establish a baseline for emissions reduction, the council developed a Supply Chain Carbon Emissions Calculator. The tool enables Newport City Council to collect emissions data associated with procurement activities while helping suppliers improve their understanding of emissions reporting.

The initial focus has been on guidance, reporting and building knowledge to support the measurement and management of supply chain emissions. The council is particularly committed to helping small businesses, especially those based locally, develop their understanding of emissions reporting and sustainability.

Westminster City Council is focusing on engagement across its supply chain, working with suppliers to achieve progressive carbon reduction targets.

The council aims to use its purchasing power to set ambitious expectations for suppliers while creating opportunities for innovative solutions to reduce emissions.

Westminster City Council’s approach emphasises partnership, with risks and rewards shared between the council and its suppliers. This demonstrates how collaboration can play a significant role in reducing emissions across the supply chain, particularly those that are the most challenging to address.

The City of London Corporation aims to achieve net zero across all its activities by 2040. Purchased goods and services are its third-largest source of emissions. To reduce supply chain emissions, the corporation works closely with suppliers, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and promoting low-carbon and responsible procurement practices across their organisations.

The City of London Corporation has published its first Responsible Procurement Impact Report and intends to publish the report annually to monitor progress and share achievements.