As the trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry, FASET monitors the latest developments in the construction sector, particularly regarding worker health and safety, sustainability and equality.
We are therefore sharing the following story from Build UK. From 30 September 2021, contractors bidding for central Government contracts worth more than £5 million a year will be required to provide a Carbon Reduction Plan confirming their commitment to achieving #NetZero by 2050.
The UK Government amended the Climate Change Act 20081 in 2019 by introducing a target of at least a 100% reduction in the net UK carbon account (i.e. reduction of greenhouse gas emissions2 , compared to 1990 levels) by 2050. This is otherwise known as the ‘Net Zero’ target. The Procurement Policy Note (PPN) in the link below sets out how to take account of suppliers’ Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plans in the procurement of major Government contracts.
As part of assessing a supplier’s technical and professional ability, In-Scope Organisations should include, as a selection criterion, a requirement for bidding suppliers to provide a Carbon Reduction Plan (using the template at Annex A) confirming the supplier’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050 in the UK, and setting out the environmental management measures that they have in place and which will be in effect and utilised during the performance of the contract.
Carbon Reduction Plans must meet the required standard as set out by the supporting guidance to this PPN. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Confirming the bidding supplier’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050 for their UK operations.
- Providing the supplier’s current emissions for the sources included in Scope 1 and 2 of the GHG Protocol, and a defined subset of Scope 3 emissions.
- Providing emissions reporting in CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent) for the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol
- Setting out the environmental management measures in effect, including certification schemes or specific carbon reduction measures you have adopted, and that you will be able to apply when performing the contract and that support achieving Net Zero by 2050.
- Publication of the CRP on the supplier’s website.
Find out more in PPN 06/21: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/991622/PPN_0621_Taking_account_of_Carbon_Reduction_Plans__2_.pdf
