If you’re bidding for UK public sector contracts, Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21 requires many suppliers to provide a compliant Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP). Missing information or an incomplete submission could delay your tender or reduce your chances of success.
The good news is that compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a structured checklist, you can make sure your Carbon Reduction Plan contains the information buyers expect while demonstrating your organisation’s commitment to reducing emissions and achieving Net Zero.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the key elements your Carbon Reduction Plan should include before submitting a public sector tender.
What Is PPN 06/21?
PPN 06/21 is UK Government guidance requiring suppliers bidding for certain central government contracts to demonstrate their commitment to achieving Net Zero.
As part of the tender process, organisations must often provide a Carbon Reduction Plan that sets out:
- Their current greenhouse gas emissions.
- Their commitment to achieving Net Zero.
- The actions they are taking to reduce emissions.
The aim is to ensure suppliers are actively contributing towards the UK’s wider environmental objectives rather than simply making high-level sustainability claims.
Your PPN 06/21 Checklist
Before submitting your Carbon Reduction Plan, check that you’ve completed the following.
✅ 1. Organisation Details
Your plan should clearly state:
- Company name.
- Registered address.
- Reporting period.
- Nature of your business.
This provides context for the emissions data presented later in the document.
✅ 2. Net Zero Commitment
Include a clear statement confirming your commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with PPN 06/21 requirements.
This demonstrates your long-term environmental ambition.
✅ 3. Carbon Footprint Data
Your Carbon Reduction Plan should include your latest greenhouse gas emissions.
Where applicable, this should cover:
- Scope 1 emissions.
- Scope 2 emissions.
- Relevant Scope 3 emissions.
The data should be based on recognised reporting methodologies and supported by reliable evidence.
✅ 4. Carbon Reduction Measures
Explain the practical actions your organisation is taking to reduce emissions.
Examples include:
- Renewable electricity.
- Energy-efficient buildings.
- Fleet electrification.
- Sustainable procurement.
- Waste reduction.
- Business travel policies.
Avoid vague statements. Procurement teams are looking for real examples.
✅ 5. Future Reduction Targets
Describe your future plans.
This may include:
- Planned projects.
- Annual reduction targets.
- Investment in renewable technologies.
- Supply chain improvements.
- Employee engagement initiatives.
Your targets should be realistic and measurable.
✅ 6. Senior Management Approval
Your Carbon Reduction Plan should include confirmation that it has been reviewed and approved by senior leadership.
This demonstrates organisational commitment and accountability.
✅ 7. Publication
PPN 06/21 requires the Carbon Reduction Plan to be publicly available.
Ensure it is published on your website and can be accessed if requested during the procurement process.
✅ 8. Annual Review
Review your Carbon Reduction Plan at least once a year.
An annual update allows you to:
- Refresh emissions data.
- Record progress.
- Add new initiatives.
- Update targets.
A current Carbon Reduction Plan gives buyers greater confidence in your sustainability commitments.
Common Reasons Businesses Fail the Checklist
Some of the most common issues include:
- Missing Scope 3 emissions.
- Outdated emissions data.
- Generic sustainability statements.
- No clear reduction initiatives.
- Lack of senior approval.
- Failure to publish the Carbon Reduction Plan.
- Unrealistic Net Zero commitments.
- Plans that haven’t been updated for several years.
Checking your document against this list before submitting a tender can help avoid unnecessary issues.
Beyond Compliance
Although many organisations create Carbon Reduction Plans to meet procurement requirements, the document should also support wider business objectives.
A well-prepared Carbon Reduction Plan can help you:
- Identify opportunities to reduce operating costs.
- Strengthen ESG reporting.
- Demonstrate environmental leadership.
- Improve customer confidence.
- Support long-term Net Zero planning.
- Win more public sector work.
Viewed this way, your Carbon Reduction Plan becomes a valuable business tool rather than simply another procurement document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every business need to comply with PPN 06/21?
No. The requirements generally apply to organisations bidding for qualifying central government contracts.
Do I need Scope 3 emissions?
Where relevant, yes. Including appropriate Scope 3 emissions provides a more complete picture of your organisation’s carbon footprint.
How often should I review my Carbon Reduction Plan?
At least annually, or sooner if your business undergoes significant operational changes.
Can Carbon Neutral Group help with PPN 06/21?
Yes. Carbon Neutral Group helps businesses prepare compliant Carbon Reduction Plans, calculate emissions and develop practical Net Zero strategies that support public sector procurement.
How Carbon Neutral Group Can Help
Preparing a Carbon Reduction Plan can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re bidding for public sector contracts for the first time.
Carbon Neutral Group works with organisations across the UK to:
- Measure carbon emissions.
- Prepare compliant Carbon Reduction Plans.
- Support PPN 06/21 compliance.
- Develop Net Zero strategies.
- Identify practical carbon reduction opportunities.
Whether you’re creating a new Carbon Reduction Plan or reviewing an existing one, our experienced consultants can help ensure you’re ready for your next procurement opportunity.
Contact Carbon Neutral Group today to find out how we can support your sustainability journey.