Introduction: Why Net Zero Matters More Than Ever in Tendering
As the UK accelerates its journey towards Net Zero by 2050, public sector tenders are evolving fast. If you’re an SME hoping to win government work in 2025, understanding the impact of Net Zero procurement policies is essential.
From mandatory carbon reduction plans to ethical supply chains, sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s a core scoring requirement. At Tendle, part of Aspire to Grow Ltd, we support small businesses in aligning with climate goals to submit stronger, values-led tenders.
In this guide, we’ll break down five powerful ways that Net Zero goals are influencing tenders in 2025 – and how your business can stay ahead.
1. Carbon Reduction Plans Are No Longer Optional
One of the most significant impacts of net zero procurement is the growing demand for Carbon Reduction Plans (CRPs). Whether you’re bidding for a council maintenance contract or digital services framework, buyers increasingly expect clear carbon commitments.
Here’s what you’ll typically be asked to provide:
- Baseline emissions using a recognised methodology
- Year-on-year carbon reduction targets
- Details of how you track and report emissions
To comply with PPN 06/21, many contracts now require a CRP at the point of tender submission. Without one, your bid may be automatically excluded.
Tendle Tip: Use our Carbon Reduction Toolkit to get started. We’ll help you create a compliant, tailored CRP that enhances your tender score.
2. Sustainable Supply Chains Are Heavily Scrutinised
In 2025, it’s not just your own environmental practices under the microscope – your suppliers’ sustainability matters too.
Public buyers want assurance that your supply chain:
- Minimises carbon emissions
- Avoids environmentally harmful materials
- Uses local, ethical or circular suppliers
- Meets fair working conditions and labour standards
Many tenders now include specific social value or sustainability questions on how you manage and influence your supply chain.
Tendle Tip: Start supply chain mapping with our Sustainable Supply Guide. It helps you identify risks, green opportunities, and evidence for tenders.
3. Accreditations and Evidence Can Give You a Scoring Edge
Tender assessors don’t just want promises – they want proof.
Certifications like:
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- Carbon Trust Standard
- PAS 2060 (Carbon Neutrality)
…can act as powerful supporting evidence. Even if you don’t have formal accreditation, demonstrating your roadmap to obtain one can add weight.
Buyers will also look for case studies, data, or dashboards that show your commitment to sustainability in action.
Tendle Tip: Not sure where to start? Book a Tendle Sustainability Review and we’ll help you identify low-cost, high-impact improvements that enhance credibility.
4. Climate Action Aligns With Social Value Scoring
Net Zero objectives don’t just apply to environmental criteria – they increasingly overlap with social value commitments.
Under the UK’s Social Value Model, themes like fighting climate change, supporting community wellbeing, and promoting responsible innovation are embedded into tender scoring.
This means that carbon-reducing activities can earn you marks across multiple criteria, such as:
- Reducing travel emissions through remote delivery
- Using electric vehicles for service provision
- Educating communities on sustainability
- Partnering with local green initiatives
Tendle Tip: Align your Carbon Reduction Plan with social value goals to strengthen multiple areas of your bid with one coherent strategy.
5. Net Zero Policies Are Built Into Frameworks and Pre-Qualification
More procurement frameworks now include mandatory sustainability thresholds, especially for high-value or long-term contracts. Failing to meet Net Zero standards could exclude your business before the evaluation stage.
Expect to see:
- Environmental pass/fail questions
- Pre-requisites for CRPs, ESG metrics, or sustainable delivery models
- Ongoing reporting requirements for emissions and progress
This shift places additional responsibility on suppliers to monitor, track, and report environmental outcomes throughout the contract lifecycle.
Tendle Tip: Use our Bid Readiness Checklist to assess your compliance with Net Zero procurement expectations before submitting.
External Resource
UK Net Zero Strategy (DESNZ) – Read the UK Government’s latest Net Zero Strategy published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, outlining how public procurement is supporting the UK’s 2050 climate targets.
Conclusion: Sustainability Isn’t Just a Trend – It’s Your Competitive Edge
Net Zero procurement is transforming how public contracts are awarded in 2025. If you’re not demonstrating sustainability in your bid, you’re missing out on both points and partnerships.
By embedding clear, measurable carbon reduction strategies and aligning with government policy, your business not only improves compliance – it also builds long-term credibility with buyers who want responsible, future-ready suppliers.
Ready to align your tenders with Net Zero goals?
Talk to Tendle today about creating your Carbon Reduction Plan, mapping your sustainable supply chain, and embedding green value into your next bid.
Book a free discovery call now at Tendle.co.uk
