NHS Carbon Reduction Plan

Summary

Biocomposites is a supplier to the NHS. As part of the NHS's ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, they require that all suppliers have a comprehensive Carbon Reduction Plan in place to participate in its larger tenders and frameworks. Biocomposites approached C Free to calculate their carbon footprint and develop a Carbon Reduction Plan to ensure continued compliance with NHS requirements.

Challenge

Biocomposites needed a comprehensive and accurate assessment of its current carbon footprint that factored in scope 1, 2 and a subset of scope 3 emissions. Additionally, they required a Carbon Reduction Plan that outlined specific, measurable, and achievable carbon reduction strategies to meet the requirements for NHS tenders and frameworks. Biocomposites needed all of this in a short time frame in order to successfully apply for a framework.

Approach

C Free followed a four-step process to calculate Biocomposites’ carbon footprint and create a tailored Carbon Reduction Plan:

1. Data Collection and Analysis: C Free conducted a thorough analysis of Biocomposites's operations, including transportation, travel, and energy usage. Primary and secondary data were collected through surveys and downloaded supplier data.
2. Carbon Footprint Calculation: Using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, C Free calculated Biocomposites's carbon footprint across Scope 1, 2, and the required subset of 3 emissions. This provided a clear understanding of the sources and magnitude of Biocomposites's Greenhouse Gas emissions.
3. Carbon Reduction Strategy Development: C Free identified and prioritised carbon reduction opportunities that were both cost-effective and feasible within Biocomposites's operations. These strategies ranged from increasing energy efficiency to implementing more sustainable procurement practices.
4. Carbon Reduction Plan Preparation: C Free developed a detailed CRP outlining the carbon footprint, net zero targets, and recommended carbon reduction strategies in compliance with the NHS requirements. The Carbon Reduction Plan also included recommendations for employee training and engagement to ensure successful implementation.

Results

With the assistance of C Free, Biocomposites efficiently collected all necessary data by utilising C Free’s automated tools to process raw data files, resulting in the elimination of copious data entry and enabling completion of the data collection process within a week. C Free then undertook the calculation and returned a Greenhouse Gas Report detailing the methodology and analysing the results. Using the information outlined in the Greenhouse Gas Report, C Free completed a draft Carbon Reduction Plan for Biocomposites to review and sign off. The task was accomplished within the specified deadline set by the framework that Biocomposites was applying for.

Click here to see an example Carbon Reduction Plan.

Outcomes and Impact

With C Free's support, Biocomposites successfully submitted their Carbon Reduction Plan to the NHS, ensuring their eligibility for tenders and frameworks. The CRP has become a vital part of Biocomposites's corporate sustainability strategy, driving continuous improvement in environmental performance. The organisation has already seen reductions in Greenhouse Gas emissions and cost savings through increased energy efficiency and more sustainable procurement practices. Additionally, Biocomposites's commitment to sustainability has enhanced its brand reputation and strengthened its position as a responsible supplier within the NHS network.