CAN MORE PURCHASING POWER SECURE A NET ZERO FUTURE?

Accelerating action to meet carbon net zero (CNZ) targets will depend on how well and quickly the many elements that make up the public sector supply chain can connect the dots – across policy, procurement, operations, and strategy. How can more purchasing power secure a net zero future?

The UK has demonstrated how far we’ve come as a country when it comes to advancing carbon net zero (CNZ) goals. But setting government policy to create a cleaner, greener economy is only one part of the equation. Policy on its own will not get us where we need to be.

There is much more to do to achieve net zero emissions. Reducing our emissions by 78% by 2035 and net zero by 2050 will mean the total decarbonisation of electricity, transport, buildings, and industry, and the public sector’s footprint looms large in those calculations.

Change is what’s needed. As sustainability leaders and public sector executives, you have the power to deliver real change by putting the right procurement solutions in place today. Working together, you can create more opportunities to innovate and implement change.

But accelerating action to meet our CNZ targets will depend on how well and quickly the many elements that make up the public sector supply chain can connect the dots – across policy, procurement, operations, and strategy.

Procurement is vital in supporting and strengthening our country and our public sector. Now more than ever, you need to make CNZ and sustainability a procurement priority to fight against climate change.

The public sector across the UK, from local authorities, hospitals and schools to central government, emergency services and universities, spends more than £290 billion on procurement annually. With the right procurement solutions in place, this purchasing power can help accelerate your transition to net zero and deliver real change.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has a tremendous capacity to support decarbonisation across the public sector. We are the UK’s largest public procurement body. As such, we are well-placed to effect change and influence emission reduction through the services we deliver.

We’ve identified 36 agreements to help you on your CNZ journey – from the prominent areas like fleet and energy to technology hardware and even supply chain and logistics.

Energy continues to be a high-profile area. The UK Government’s CNZ by 2050 goals may seem daunting to your organisation, particularly amidst a global energy crisis, however, simple changes to energy purchasing will do much to move the public sector away from fossil fuels. Fortunately, the percentage of zero-carbon power in Britain’s electricity mix has increased from less than 20% in 2010 to nearly 50% in 2021.

Transport is the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the UK, so it is a good place to focus. From street lighting and traffic management to electric vehicles and sustainable travel, we’re working to help reduce the impact of transport on the environment by providing better fleet solutions so you have an efficient, cost-effective, and low-emission fleet that is fit for the future.

Technology is another area where little things can add up quickly. Did you know that server rooms can use as much as 50% of a building’s electricity? We’re helping support sustainable information technology

Using CCS frameworks can support you in making decarbonisation a reality across your procurement portfolio.

(IT) initiatives by enabling our customers to transition to cloud-based systems or hosted locations, which can drastically reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

At CCS, we have extensive experience in powering the public sector. Our wide range of great value agreements cover the purchase and management of electricity, gas, fuels, water, renewable energy and related services.

From specialist energy consultancy and advisory services to low carbon technologies, we are committed to procuring the services you need to help with your contribution towards net zero.

From being one of the biggest buyers of gas and electricity in the UK, to bringing to market the largest public sector water agreement, we’re happy to say that we remain at the forefront of energy procurement. Our dedicated team of industry specialists are on hand throughout the procurement process, helping you save time, energy and money, so you can put more focus on your organisations’ needs.

Learn how you can reduce your energy consumption, carbon emissions, and costs. Download the new CNZ Cityscape interactive guide from our website to access our 36 CNZ agreements. https://www. crowncommercial.gov.uk/digital_brochure/ request/35760/interactive-guidehelping-you-reach-carbon-net-zero