The Carbon Stamp creates PPN 006-compliant Carbon Reduction Plans for UK SMEs bidding on government and NHS contracts. We cover Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions using GHG Protocol Corporate Standard methodology and the latest DEFRA emission factors — delivering tender-ready documentation in 2–4 weeks.
A Carbon Reduction Plan is a formal document demonstrating your organisation's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving Net Zero by 2050. Under PPN 006 (formerly PPN 06/21), a compliant CRP is a pass/fail requirement for any supplier bidding on UK central government and NHS contracts above £5 million per annum.
PPN 006 was renamed from PPN 06/21 in February 2025 under the Procurement Act 2023. Requirements are unchanged — suppliers compliant under PPN 06/21 remain compliant under PPN 006.
PPN 006 applies to all UK suppliers bidding for central government contracts above £5 million per annum. It is not limited to large companies — any SME, small business, or sole trader bidding above the threshold must comply. The requirement is based on contract value, not company size or turnover.
The NHS has extended this requirement to all new NHS procurements since April 2024, regardless of contract value. NHS suppliers must also align with NHS Net Zero targets and the relevant trust's Green Plan.
NHS suppliers face the most stringent CRP requirements of any sector. Since April 2024, the NHS has applied Carbon Reduction Plan requirements to all new NHS procurements — not just those above the £5 million threshold. Suppliers must demonstrate alignment with the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap (80% emissions reduction target for 2028–2032) and the specific Green Plan of the relevant trust. The Carbon Stamp specialises in NHS-aligned CRPs that satisfy both PPN 006 and Green Plan requirements. We have supported NHS pharmaceutical suppliers including Medicom Healthcare through the full CRP process, including Scope 3 emissions from medical supply chains.
Manufacturing businesses tendering for public sector contracts face complex Scope 3 emissions from raw material purchases, production processes, and logistics. The Carbon Stamp has experience developing CRPs for UK manufacturers, including assessing process emissions, manufacturing supply chain Scope 3, and product distribution. See our case study for J Hopkins Civil Engineering for an example of construction and civil engineering CRP compliance.
Construction companies bidding on central government and local authority frameworks increasingly require PPN 006-compliant Carbon Reduction Plans as part of the pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) stage. Key emissions sources include site plant and machinery, fuel consumption, materials embodied carbon, and subcontractor supply chain. The Carbon Stamp created a compliant CRP for J Hopkins Civil Engineering to support their government tender submissions. Read more: PPN 006 for construction companies →
Professional services firms and technology companies typically have lower absolute emissions but still need compliant CRPs to bid on relevant contracts. Key Scope 3 categories include business travel, home working, purchased services, and IT supply chain. These businesses often find CRP completion faster due to simpler operations, though Scope 3 accuracy is essential. For professional services businesses also seeking to demonstrate carbon credibility beyond compliance, see our carbon footprint assessment service →
Carbon Reduction Plan services from The Carbon Stamp typically range from £1,500 to £5,000, depending on organisation size, number of sites, and the depth of Scope 3 emissions coverage required. A free initial consultation is available with no obligation to proceed.
PPN 006 (formerly PPN 06/21) is the UK government procurement policy requiring all suppliers bidding for central government and NHS contracts above £5 million per annum to submit a compliant Carbon Reduction Plan. It applies regardless of company size.
In February 2025, PPN 06/21 was renamed to PPN 006 under the Procurement Act 2023. The core requirements remain unchanged — Net Zero by 2050, Scope 1–3 reporting, Annex A format, annual publication, and pass/fail evaluation.
Yes. Since April 2024, NHS CRP requirements apply to all new procurements regardless of contract value. NHS suppliers must also align with NHS Net Zero targets (80% reduction by 2028–2032) and the relevant trust's Green Plan.
Typically £1,500–£5,000 depending on organisation size and Scope 3 coverage. Free initial consultation available.
2–4 weeks from data collection to final signed document, including when facing tender deadlines.
Yes. PPN 006 explicitly requires "relevant" Scope 3 emissions. You don't need all 15 GHG Protocol categories — focus on the most material to your business: supply chain purchases, business travel, waste, and employee commuting are the most common.
A non-compliant CRP results in automatic tender disqualification. Common failure points include missing Scope 3, incorrect methodology, outdated DEFRA factors, no director sign-off, and failure to publish on your website.
Yes. PPN 006 requires annual publication of an updated CRP demonstrating year-on-year progress against emission reduction commitments. The annual update must include updated emissions data for the latest reporting year and evidence of measures implemented. The Carbon Stamp offers annual CRP update services to keep your document current and compliant.
A Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) is a specific compliance document required by PPN 006 for government and NHS tender submissions. It covers Scope 1–3 baseline emissions, current reduction measures, and a commitment to Net Zero by 2050 in Annex A format. A net zero strategy is a broader long-term plan — often science-based target aligned — defining how an organisation will reach near-zero emissions. A CRP satisfies procurement requirements; a net zero strategy is a strategic commitment that goes beyond compliance.
Yes — PPN 006 explicitly requires "relevant" Scope 3 emissions. You are not required to cover all 15 GHG Protocol Scope 3 categories, but you must include those material to your business. For most SMEs, the relevant categories are: purchased goods and services (Category 1), business travel (Category 6), employee commuting (Category 7), and waste (Category 5). The Carbon Stamp identifies and calculates your material Scope 3 categories as part of the CRP service.
Yes. Since April 2024, the NHS applies Carbon Reduction Plan requirements to all new NHS procurements — not just those above £5 million. Failure to submit a compliant CRP when one is required results in automatic disqualification at the pass/fail stage. If you are bidding on any NHS contract and are unsure whether a CRP is required, contact us for a free initial review.
Yes — your CRP must include actual Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions data, which requires a carbon footprint assessment. The Carbon Stamp typically combines both into a single engagement: we measure your footprint first, then use that data to complete the CRP. See our carbon footprint assessment service for details.