Organisations supplying goods or services to the NHS will soon face an important new sustainability requirement.
From 6 April 2026, NHS Supply Chain will require all suppliers submitting tenders to have achieved Evergreen Level 1 at the point of tender close. Previously, suppliers could submit tenders with any Evergreen submission level.
This change is part of the NHS’s wider strategy to reduce emissions across its supply chain and work towards its ambitious Net Zero targets.
For suppliers, it means that carbon reporting and sustainability planning are becoming essential elements of doing business with the NHS.
Understanding what Evergreen requires, and how to prepare, will help organisations remain competitive in NHS procurement.
The NHS is the first healthcare system in the world to commit to reaching Net Zero.
Because such a large proportion of the NHS’s carbon footprint comes from its supply chain, suppliers play a crucial role in achieving these targets.
According to NHS Supply Chain data:
The Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment is designed to help suppliers measure and report their environmental progress in a consistent way.
By requiring Evergreen Level 1 for all tenders from April 2026, the NHS is encouraging suppliers to build the foundations for stronger sustainability reporting before more advanced requirements arrive in 2027 and beyond.
For many organisations, this means establishing formal carbon reporting processes for the first time.
Evergreen Level 1 represents the baseline sustainability standard expected by NHS Supply Chain.
To achieve Level 1, suppliers must:
A compliant Carbon Reduction Plan must include:
It is important to note that Evergreen Level 1 does not replace other NHS sustainability requirements.
It forms part of the NHS Supply Chain’s wider “Five Supplier Asks”, which include:
Suppliers must continue to meet all of these requirements when tendering for NHS contracts.
While the Evergreen requirement introduces new expectations, it also offers a clear opportunity for suppliers to strengthen their sustainability credentials.
Organisations that prepare early can:
By establishing a robust Carbon Reduction Plan and emissions data now, suppliers will also be better prepared for the expanded reporting requirements expected from 2027, including globally scoped emissions reporting.
Early action helps ensure sustainability becomes part of everyday business practice rather than a reactive compliance exercise.
Suppliers looking to prepare for the April 2026 requirement should begin by reviewing their current sustainability reporting processes.
Key steps include:
Building these foundations now will make it much easier to comply with NHS procurement standards as they continue to evolve.
Carbon Sense supports organisations across the UK to understand, measure, and reduce their carbon emissions.
We work with suppliers to:
Our approach is practical and transparent. We focus on helping organisations meet regulatory expectations while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
If your organisation supplies the NHS and needs support preparing for the Evergreen Level 1 requirement, get in touch to discuss how Carbon Sense can help.
What is the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment?
The Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment is NHS England’s platform for suppliers to report their sustainability maturity and environmental progress. From April 2026, suppliers submitting tenders through NHS Supply Chain will need to achieve Evergreen Level 1, which includes publishing a compliant Carbon Reduction Plan and reporting emissions.
Do NHS suppliers need a Carbon Reduction Plan?
Yes. To achieve Evergreen Level 1, suppliers must publish a PPN 006 compliant Carbon Reduction Plan covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions. Many organisations choose to work with specialists such as Carbon Sense to ensure their plan is accurate, compliant, and aligned with NHS expectations.
How can organisations prepare for NHS sustainability requirements?
The most important step is to measure emissions and develop a credible Carbon Reduction Plan supported by clear data. Carbon Sense supports NHS suppliers by measuring emissions, building compliant Carbon Reduction Plans, and helping organisations meet the sustainability requirements needed for successful tendering.
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