With supply chain emissions accounting for almost 50% of our carbon footprint between 2019 and 2030, working with partners committed to net zero is a critical success factor . By 2030, 40% of our supply chain by emissions will have a Science Based Target and, from 2023, we intend to only award contracts over £1 million to partners with a Science Based Target.

However, success is not achieved by placing excessive demands on suppliers’ businesses, and we are taking a partnership approach. The launch of the first of its kind net zero mentor programme for smaller companies is one step we are taking in supporting our varied supply chain in taking climate action. 36 SME suppliers representing 31% of our annual spend in 2021 have joined our Net Zero Mentoring Programme.

Using our recent experiences, we’ve created a free programme to help SME suppliers map and reduce their own carbon footprint. Companies including construction and demolition contractors, architects, engineers, and maintenance and building services firms are gaining support in calculating their baseline, setting an action plan, and achieving a validated Science Based Target.