Market sounding findings: net zero supplier requirements from April 2027

What this report covers

It summarises feedback from a survey of suppliers and other stakeholders about the requirements on NHS suppliers to publish all of their relevant global emissions, emissions targets and carbon reduction plans from April 2027.

These requirements form part of the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, which was adopted as statutory guidance in 2022 and this report describes revisions to the requirements in light of the feedback we received.

Summary of key information

We engaged around 10,000 stakeholders and received 219 survey responses, including input from 7 trade bodies representing more than 1,000 suppliers.

81% of respondents agreed or partially agreed with the draft technical requirements.

Where agreement was under 80%, adjustments were discussed with industry and NHS stakeholders. 3 policy positions were revised:

• suppliers are encouraged to set a net zero target of 2045, but 2050 is now the minimum requirement (refer to Year by which the reporting entity commits to net zero)
• validation is encouraged but not mandated (refer to Net zero target validation)
• the requirement to estimate future offsetting has been removed (refer to Disclosure of carbon offsetting expectations)

The survey highlights strong support from small and medium sized suppliers.