If your business is bidding for a UK public sector contract, you’ve probably come across Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21. One of the most common questions organisations ask is, “What evidence do we actually need to provide?”
The answer depends on the contract you’re bidding for and the information requested by the contracting authority. However, in most cases, you’ll need to demonstrate that your organisation has measured its greenhouse gas emissions, committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and developed a credible Carbon Reduction Plan.
Providing the right evidence not only helps you meet procurement requirements but also demonstrates that sustainability is embedded within your organisation rather than being treated as a box-ticking exercise.
This guide explains the key evidence procurement teams are looking for and how your business can prepare with confidence.
Understanding PPN 06/21
PPN 06/21 was introduced by the UK Government to ensure suppliers bidding for certain central government contracts are actively working towards Net Zero.
Rather than simply asking businesses whether they support sustainability, procurement teams increasingly expect evidence that demonstrates real progress.
This usually starts with a compliant Carbon Reduction Plan, but additional supporting information may also strengthen your submission.
Your Carbon Reduction Plan
The most important piece of evidence is your Carbon Reduction Plan.
It should clearly show:
- Your commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050.
- Your latest greenhouse gas emissions.
- The actions you’re taking to reduce emissions.
- How progress will be measured over time.
The document should accurately reflect your organisation rather than using generic wording copied from templates.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data
Your Carbon Reduction Plan should be supported by reliable emissions data.
Where applicable, this should include:
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by your organisation, such as company vehicles or fuel used on-site.
Scope 2 Emissions
Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heating or cooling.
Relevant Scope 3 Emissions
Depending on your business, this may include:
- Business travel.
- Employee commuting.
- Purchased goods and services.
- Freight and logistics.
- Waste disposal.
- Water consumption.
Procurement teams want confidence that your emissions have been measured using recognised methodologies.
Evidence of Carbon Reduction Initiatives
It’s not enough to state that you’re committed to reducing emissions.
Your Carbon Reduction Plan should explain what you’re actually doing.
Examples include:
- Switching to renewable electricity.
- Improving energy efficiency.
- Installing LED lighting.
- Investing in electric vehicles.
- Reducing waste.
- Improving recycling.
- Introducing sustainable procurement policies.
- Engaging employees in sustainability initiatives.
Where possible, include examples of initiatives already completed as well as future plans.
Senior Leadership Approval
Your Carbon Reduction Plan should demonstrate that sustainability has support at senior management level.
This is often shown through:
- Director approval.
- Management sign-off.
- Formal declaration within the Carbon Reduction Plan.
Leadership involvement demonstrates accountability and long-term commitment.
Published Carbon Reduction Plan
PPN 06/21 expects organisations to make their Carbon Reduction Plan publicly available.
Publishing it on your website helps demonstrate transparency and allows procurement teams to review your commitments.
Ensure the published version is:
- Easy to locate.
- Up to date.
- Consistent with your tender submission.
Evidence of Continuous Improvement
Procurement teams understand that organisations won’t eliminate emissions overnight.
What they’re looking for is evidence that you’re making progress.
This may include:
- Annual emissions reporting.
- Updated Carbon Reduction Plans.
- New sustainability initiatives.
- Reduced energy consumption.
- Investment in renewable technologies.
- Supply chain improvements.
Demonstrating continuous improvement often carries more weight than making ambitious promises without evidence.
Supporting Documentation
Depending on the procurement process, additional documentation may also be helpful.
Examples include:
- Sustainability policies.
- Environmental management systems.
- Energy efficiency reports.
- ESG reports.
- Renewable energy certificates.
- Carbon offset certificates (where relevant).
While these documents don’t replace a Carbon Reduction Plan, they can provide additional confidence in your sustainability strategy.
Common Mistakes
Businesses often weaken their submissions by:
- Providing outdated emissions data.
- Using generic Carbon Reduction Plans.
- Failing to include relevant Scope 3 emissions.
- Forgetting to publish the plan online.
- Not updating sustainability initiatives.
- Providing evidence that contradicts other tender documents.
Reviewing your evidence before submission helps avoid these issues.
Building Confidence with Procurement Teams
A strong submission demonstrates more than compliance.
It shows that your organisation:
- Understands its environmental impact.
- Has measured emissions accurately.
- Is actively reducing carbon emissions.
- Has clear governance.
- Reviews progress regularly.
- Is committed to achieving Net Zero.
This gives buyers greater confidence in your organisation’s long-term sustainability credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Carbon Reduction Plan always required?
For many qualifying central government contracts, yes. However, requirements can vary depending on the procurement process and contracting authority.
Do I need evidence for Scope 3 emissions?
Where relevant to your organisation, yes. Including appropriate Scope 3 emissions provides a more complete picture of your environmental impact.
Do I need to publish my Carbon Reduction Plan?
Yes. PPN 06/21 expects Carbon Reduction Plans to be publicly available.
Can Carbon Neutral Group help prepare the required evidence?
Yes. Carbon Neutral Group helps organisations measure emissions, prepare compliant Carbon Reduction Plans and develop practical sustainability strategies that support procurement success.
How Carbon Neutral Group Can Help
Preparing evidence for PPN 06/21 can seem daunting, particularly if you’re new to public sector procurement.
Carbon Neutral Group supports organisations throughout the process, from measuring carbon emissions and preparing Carbon Reduction Plans to identifying practical carbon reduction initiatives that strengthen procurement submissions.
Whether you’re bidding for your first government contract or reviewing an existing Carbon Reduction Plan, our experienced consultants can help ensure your evidence is accurate, credible and compliant.
Contact Carbon Neutral Group today to discuss how we can support your procurement and sustainability objectives.