Roadmap for Suppliers To Reach Net Zero by 2045

The NHS supplier roadmap lays out a process towards achieving a net zero healthcare system by 2045.

During COP26 the leaders of more than 10 major NHS suppliers publicly pledged their support for a healthier future by committing to reach net zero emissions by 2045 or earlier.

By 2027 all suppliers will be required to publicly report emissions and publish a carbon reduction plan aligned to the net zero NHS target, for both their direct and indirect emissions.

The NHS is committed to working in collaboration with suppliers to resolve roadblocks along the way and we are continuing to consult on its roadmap with industry partners. This extends to small and medium-sized enterprises and the charitable sector in particular, where the NHS will work hand-in-hand to deliver high quality, sustainable care.

A supplier framework for benchmarking and reporting progress against the requirements detailed in the roadmap will be available in 2022.

For more information on the NHS’s approach, please contact england.ptomsustainability@nhs.net

Products from over 80,000 different suppliers are used within the NHS. The type of products include everything from office equipment and food to medical consumables and devices.

Parts of our supply chain into the NHS account for more than 60% of the total NHS carbon footprint.

For this reason, reducing emissions from our supply chain is crucial if we are to become net zero by 2045. These include carbon emissions from freight, the manufacturing of goods, catering, business services and construction. 

Supporting the NHS in the reduction of emissions offers all suppliers an opportunity to play their part in improving health, both now and for future generations. It’s important that every supplier is aligned to this ambition.

To help suppliers, NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) Board have approved a roadmap summarising expectations over the medium to long term. This roadmap will be shared widely over the coming months.

Net Zero remains to be a strong procurement theme for the NHS and as we approach COP26 being held this November in Glasgow, it will be one year on from the launch of the Greener NHS Net Zero report. 

NHSEI have set up a dedicated LinkedIn page for NHS Procurement Transformation where suppliers can find out more and be kept aware with regular updates.

For more information contact: