Blog, Carbon Footprint, Carbon Reduction Plans, Case Studies, Net Zero Carbon, News, Scope 3
Case Study – Codegate: A Carbon Reduction Plan for NHS Net Zero Supplier Compliance
Nov
Executive Summary
- Developed a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) aligned with the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap
- Aligned long-term emissions targets with NHS and PPN 006 requirements
- Achieved a 48% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions, meeting the 2025 target one year early
About Codegate
Codegate is a UK-based software development company specialising in RFID and tracking technologies for healthcare and logistics applications. As a current NHS supplier, Codegate approached Circular Ecology for support in meeting the new requirements for NHS suppliers to have a Carbon Reduction Plan in place, and building on a previous successful collaboration to develop a model to calculate the embodied carbon for an installation of a Codegate Unmanned Store.
The Challenge
From April 2024, suppliers bidding for NHS contracts must comply with Stage 2 of the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, including the publication of a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) aligned with Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 006 (formerly known as the PPN 06/21, developed by the UK government for the procurement of major government contracts). This requires measurement of Scope 1, 2, and a defined subset of Scope 3 emissions.
Codegate sought expert support to:
- Measure their organisational carbon footprint (Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3)
- Develop a compliant Carbon Reduction Plan
- Set and achieve meaningful carbon reduction targets aligned with NHS milestones
Our Approach
Circular Ecology was re-approached, following previous collaboration on embodied carbon analysis and tool development, to deliver a full organisational footprint and CRP.
Our team:
- Developed a Scope 1 and 2 footprint using the client’s energy and fuel data
- Conducted a high-level Scope 3 assessment, including business travel, commuting, waste, and transport
- Supported target setting aligned to NHS goals (20% reduction by 2025, net zero by 2045)
Figure 1 – National Health Service (NHS) Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, NHS 2025
Read-only access to the client’s accounting system enabled streamlined extraction of relevant spend data for Scope 3 modelling.
Results
- Scope 1 & 2 emissions: 93 tCO₂e (2023 baseline)
- Scope 3 emissions: 83 tCO₂e with employee commuting being the largest contributor
- A Carbon Reduction Plan was developed in line with NHS expectations, adopting formal targets:
- 20% reduction by 2025
- 80% reduction by 2038
- Net zero by 2045
Following the CRP’s development, Codegate switched to a renewable energy tariff, resulting in a >48% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions in the subsequent year, meaning they achieved their 2025 target one year ahead of schedule.
Figure 2 – Scope 1&2 Absolute Emissions Reduction Results & Targets
Beyond Compliance
The project outcomes had wider impacts beyond meeting NHS procurement requirements.
Presenting the results internally helped engage staff and foster a shared sense of responsibility for reducing emissions further. Seeing the carbon impact of seemingly minor activities, such as how few flights can contribute greatly to overall reported emissions, was an “eye-opener” for Codegate, providing a new perspective and influencing daily decision-making across the organisation.
The collaboration has allowed Codegate to make a positive and productive start to their carbon reduction journey. Ensuring they continue to measure their carbon footprint annually and focus their reduction actions on key carbon hotspots will set them up to achieve their long-term environmental goals. Having a Carbon Reduction Plan in place also ensures they have taken a proactive approach in meeting the procurement requirements for any future major government contract.
Testimonial
“Circular Ecology have made developing our organisational footprint and Carbon Reduction Plan for the NHS an easy and efficient process.”
“We’ve found the footprint results and Carbon Reduction Plan to be necessary not just for our work with the NHS, but also for other clients and tenders we work with.”
Learning Outcomes
- Early engagement with CRP requirements leads to faster results
- Granting accounting access simplified Scope 3 assessments and reduced admin
- Clear, detailed emissions data can empower behaviour change and advocacy internally
Conclusion
Through a collaborative, data-driven approach, Circular Ecology supported Codegate in producing a robust and actionable Carbon Reduction Plan aligned with the PPN 006 procurement policy. The work has laid a strong foundation for ongoing carbon management and internal engagement, while also helping Codegate remain competitive for public sector contracts.
To learn more about the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap and PPN 006, visit our dedicated service page.
To download our free, Excel-based Organisational Carbon Footprinting Tool, please click here.
