What is a Carbon Reduction Plan in a UK tender?
2 min read · Prepared by TenderChecker
Short answer
A Carbon Reduction Plan sets out your organisation's current greenhouse gas emissions, your commitment to reach net zero and the steps you are taking to reduce emissions. Central government buyers ask for one on certain larger contracts, and other public buyers increasingly ask similar questions.
Key points
- ✓Reports current emissions and a net zero commitment
- ✓Required by central government for certain larger contracts
- ✓Other buyers may ask simpler carbon questions
When it applies
The requirement and thresholds are set by government procurement policy, which has been updated over time. Always check the buyer's documents and current GOV.UK guidance to see if a formal plan is needed or a shorter answer will do.
What to include
Your baseline emissions, the reporting standard you used, your net zero commitment and date, the reduction measures already in place and how you will report progress. Only state figures you have actually measured.
Common mistakes that lose marks
- Guessing emissions figures
- Promising a net zero date with no plan behind it
- Using a template that is not signed off by a director
Quick self-check before you submit
- ☐ Buyer's carbon requirement confirmed
- ☐ Baseline emissions measured, not estimated without saying so
- ☐ Plan approved at board or director level
- ☐ Plan published where required
Key terms on this page
- Carbon Reduction Plan
- A document setting out an organisation's emissions, net zero commitment and reduction measures. Central government asks for one on certain larger contracts.
In-depth guides
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More questions
General guidance only, not legal advice. Always follow the buyer's own tender documents.