The Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21, originally issued on 5 June 2021 and later updated in April 2023, has now been rebranded as PPN 006. The updated version was released on 17 February 2025, with a further clarification update issued on 17 April 2025.
Why has PPN 06/21 been renamed to PPN 006?
The rebranding of PPN 06/21 to PPN 006 is part of the UK government’s efforts to align procurement policies with the new Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024. These regulations apply to all public procurement processes starting on or after 24 February 2025.
Although the numbering has changed to reflect the new legislative framework, this is a terminology update only. There are no changes to the actual policy content.
What has stayed the same in PPN 006?
Despite the new label, the core requirements introduced under PPN 06/21 remain intact under PPN 006. Public sector suppliers must still:
- Commit to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050
- Report on Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions
- Outline clear actions being taken to reduce emissions
- Submit a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) following the Annex A template
- Pass a compliance check using the same pass/fail criteria
There are no changes to reporting standards, templates, or CRP expectations.
What this means for suppliers?
If you’re a supplier bidding for public sector contracts above the threshold (£5 million per year), your current Carbon Reduction Plan process remains valid under PPN 006. You do not need to make any changes as long as your CRP continues to meet the established standards.
Conclusion: PPN 006 Is a Rebrand, Not a Rewrite
While the name has changed from PPN 06/21 to PPN 006, the carbon reduction requirements for public sector suppliers remain exactly the same. This update is purely to align with new procurement legislation and has no impact on how CRPs are assessed or submitted.