How to complete your NHS Evergreen Assessment

There are four Maturity levels: 

• Level 1 – these are organisations that have publicly committed to working towards net zero and can demonstrate they’ve engaged with sustainable business activities. To be compliant here you need to evidence the fact you have produced an up to date PPN 06/21 compliant Carbon Reduction Plan
• Level 2 – to go up a level, you’ll need to have robust reporting systems and net zero targets in place as well as formal policies around social value and modern slavery.
• Level 3 – for this level, organisations have to have an independently verified Carbon Reduction Plan, which achieves net zero by 2045 and need to have completed the modern slavery tool.
• Level 4 – the top level is reserved for organisations that have an independently verified plan for their global operations to reach net zero 2045 and are actively monitoring their supply chains for modern slavery risks. 

It’s important that you understand the level you’re aiming for as that’ll affect what you need to include in your NHS Evergreen Assessment. 

Speaking of which, let’s dive into the details you’ll need to provide:

Evidence that you’ve implemented environmental measures

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to making your operation more environmentally conscious. 

A multinational manufacturing business that burns through fossil fuels at a rapid rate and uses diesel trucks to transport goods around the world will have a lot more to do than a small marketing start-up with a remote team and no fixed office space. 

That doesn’t mean smaller businesses are off the hook; every organisation has a part to play in operating more sustainably. And the NHS will want to see evidence that you’re working to do your bit. 

Depending on where most of your emissions are coming from, measures might include limiting international business travel, switching to local suppliers, buying electricity from renewable sources, or reducing the amount of waste you produce. 

Scope 1, 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions data

Time to crunch the numbers. 

You’ll need to share benchmark figures for all your emissions that fall under the following scopes: 

• Scope 1 – these are all the emissions your organisation makes directly like powering gas boilers or running your vehicle fleet. 

• Scope 2 – these are the indirect emissions like the electricity that powers your office. 

• Scope 3 –  these emissions by customers using your products. Accurately measuring and reporting these indirect emissions can be challenging due to their complex and often dispersed nature. There are five distinct reporting subcategories required by PPN 06/21
  • Purchased goods and services
  • capital goods
  • transportation and distribution
  • waste generated in operations, 
  • end-of-life treatment of sold products

Once you’ve gathered data from all the different sources, you’ll need to convert it into Greenhouse Gas emissions – the total sum is your company’s current carbon footprint.

A Net Zero target – and a plan for how you’ll reach it

If you’re Level 1 or 2, you’ll need to commit to reaching net zero by 2050. For Level 3 or 4, that deadline moves to 2045. 

But a net zero goal is one thing, achieving it is another. 

While you won’t be expected to hit net zero overnight, your organisation will need to demonstrate that you have a plan in place to reduce your carbon emissions over time. 

Dive into the data to draw out actionable insights (that’s where our expertise can really make a difference) and take steps to cut carbon without compromising your organisation’s operations and financial viability. 

If you’re aiming for the highest maturity level, your net zero plan will need to be validatd and cover emissions relating to both your organisation and your global parent entity (if you have one). 

Compliance with Modern Slavery legislation

If you’re looking for all the legal details, head over to the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. 

Organisations wanting to work with the NHS need to show that they’re taking steps to identify and eliminate any instances of modern slavery in their supply chains. 

That means carrying out regular audits to make sure ethical standards are in place and there are no forced labour or human trafficking concerns, training your teams on the risks of modern slavery, and reporting any instances that do arise. 

A corporate social value programme

In the UK, social value refers to the positive societal impacts generated by an organisation beyond its core business operations. This includes initiatives that enhance social, environmental, and economic well-being, with a particular focus on benefiting local communities.

To achieve the highest levels of maturity, you’ll need to have a programme of activities in place including community engagement and diversity and inclusion initiatives as well as committing to sourcing ethically and operating with fair-trade principles. 

Community engagement could range from providing volunteering opportunities to partnering with local charities.

Supply chain auditing 

Your supply chain is every organisation that supplies your organisation with goods and services – they all have an impact on how your NHS Evergreen Assessment will be perceived. 

Organisations should aim for transparency, by putting strong robus policies and, have strong policies and risk assessments for selecting suppliers, and commit to making continuous improvements over time. 

Need support with your NHS Evergreen Assessment? Get in touch with our team today to start the conversation. No hard sell, just honest advice.