Winning Business In A Net Zero Future

It’s important for BESA members to think about the carbon footprint of their own businesses. This is not simply about ‘doing the right thing’ (which is important) but about winning business in the low-carbon economy.

Many construction clients now include carbon emissions reduction in their procurement policies. This includes the UK government.

For example, Procurement Policy Note 06/21 explains: “How to take account of carbon reduction plans in the procurement of major government contracts”. The PPN requires that bidding companies have their own Carbon Reduction Plans in place, with figures on annual emissions required.

While this may not appear to apply to sub-contractors, PPN 06/21 asks bidders to provide Scope 3 emissions measurements. This means they must provide emissions statements from their whole supply chain, including specialists and sub-contractors.

Major contractors such as Mace, Willmott Dixon and Skanska (among others) have also set out clear Net Zero or carbon-reduction goals, which includes their supply chains.

Clearly, BESA members should be aware of this requirement, and be ready with information to help in the bidding process if they are to win work on major projects.