PPN 006 Compliance
Helping you secure public sector opportunities
PPN 006 – What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to bid for a public sector contract, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked for a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) in line with PPN 006 (previously known as PPN 06/21).
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In simple terms, PPN 006 requires businesses to show their commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 when applying for major government contracts, including those with the NHS.
What is a Carbon Reduction Plan?
A Carbon Reduction Plan is a document that outlines your organisation’s current emissions and the steps you’re taking to reduce them over time. ​It was introduced to make environmental responsibility a standard part of working with the public sector.​ To meet PPN 006 requirements, your business will need to:
Commit to Net Zero
Make a clear, public commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Measure Your Emissions
Report your Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, along with key Scope 3 categories.
Publish Your Plan
Have the plan approved by a director and make it available on your website.
Understand the Threshold
The requirement officially applies to contracts worth over £5 million per year, including VAT.
Why It Matters
Although PPN 006 applies to higher value contracts, many public sector frameworks now ask for a compliant Carbon Reduction Plan at the application stage.
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This means that even if you usually go for smaller contracts, you may still need a plan in place to stay competitive.
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In some cases, not having a Carbon Reduction Plan can lead to automatic disqualification, so it’s becoming an essential part of doing business with the public sector.
What Makes a Good Carbon Reduction Plan?
Government guidance breaks a strong CRP down into
five key elements:
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A clear commitment to net zero by 2050 or earlier
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Emissions data for both a baseline year and your most recent year, following the GHG Protocol
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Realistic and measurable reduction targets
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A plan of action with current and future initiatives
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A formal declaration signed off by a director
The time needed to create a Carbon Reduction Plan depends on the size and complexity of your business:
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Smaller businesses: around 20 to 40 hours
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Multi-site organisations: around 60 to 80 hours
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Complex operations or supply chains: 100 hours or more
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Much of this time goes into collecting and organising data, which is why many businesses choose to get external support.
Putting together a compliant Carbon Reduction Plan can feel time consuming, especially if you’re working to tight tender deadlines.
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Our energy management consultancy supports businesses at every stage, offering:
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Strong experience in carbon reduction and net zero plans
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A clear understanding of public sector requirements
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Practical, straightforward advice tailored to your business
We can handle the technical side, support your data collection, and help you build a plan that not only meets requirements but adds real value.
Many organisations choose to go a step further by building their Carbon Reduction Plan into a wider Energy Efficiency and Compliance Plan.
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This gives you:
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Ongoing monitoring and support
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Regular updates and reviews
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Help staying ahead of regulatory changes
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Access to a dedicated Energy Manager
Taking this approach helps you stay compliant all year round, not just when a tender comes up.
If you’d like some straightforward advice or support with your Carbon Reduction Plan, get in touch with our team. We’re here to help make the process simple and manageable.
Visit the government website for more details on PPN006 procurement guidance:
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Helping businesses identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon, and explore potential savings whilst ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties.
Expert support with the implementation of energy reduction solutions and technology. A turnkey solution for power, heating, compressed air, EV charging, lighting & building controls.
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Ongoing support for the implementation of energy efficiency measures, planning and executing a Net Zero roadmap whilst capitalising on available grants and funding.