Carbon footprint or Carbon Reduction Plan?

Read the tender requirement first

Find the carbon section, any referenced procurement policy, reporting year, required format, approval and publication instructions. Save page numbers and deadlines. A general environmental policy is not automatically a substitute for a requested CRP.

Where PPN 006 fits

PPN 006 concerns relevant major government procurements by in-scope organisations under the Procurement Act 2023. Its guidance describes contracts above £5 million per year including VAT, subject to relevance and proportionality. It does not mean every small business needs a CRP for every tender. Start with the official PPN 006 guidance and template.

Pre-submission checklist

• Correct bidding organisation and reporting boundary.
• Clear baseline and current reporting periods.
• Requested emissions categories, gaps and exclusions explained.
• Specific reduction actions with owners or review dates.
• Appropriate approval and publication completed.
• Published and submitted versions match.

Do not manufacture a baseline

If this is the first calculation, explain that. An older footprint may provide a baseline only after checking whether its boundary and method are comparable. Business or method changes can create apparent reductions that are not operational progress.

Already know a CRP is required? The £695 Footprint + CRP includes Word and PDF outputs. Unsure? The £95 tender carbon requirements check identifies what the buyer requests. No VAT charged; neither guarantees tender acceptance.