What Is the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment? A Practical Guide for UK Suppliers
The NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment is a voluntary framework designed by NHS England to help suppliers measure, report, and improve their sustainability performance. It aligns closely with the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, making it increasingly important for organisations bidding for NHS contracts.
If you sell goods or services into the NHS, you’ve probably heard whispers about the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment. It’s rapidly becoming one of the most important sustainability requirements in UK public procurement — and for many suppliers, it’s now a must-have rather than a nice-to-have.
This guide breaks down what the Evergreen Assessment is, why it matters, and how your organisation can prepare — especially when it comes to carbon reporting, which sits at the core of the framework.
What Is the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment?
The NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment is a voluntary self-assessment and reporting tool created by NHS England to help suppliers measure and improve their sustainability maturity.
You can read the official NHS overview here:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/buying-for-net-zero/evergreen/
It aligns with NHS England’s Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, which mandates increasing sustainability requirements for suppliers between now and 2030.
Why the Evergreen Assessment Matters for Suppliers
The Evergreen Assessment isn’t just paperwork — it’s quickly becoming a competitive differentiator. Here’s why:
1. It strengthens your NHS procurement position
Many NHS buyers will expect suppliers to be working toward alignment with Evergreen. Demonstrating participation can support tender success, especially for larger contracts.
2. It helps suppliers track and improve sustainability performance
The framework covers:
Net Zero commitments
Carbon reporting
Emissions reduction planning
Social value
Supply chain engagement
If you’re already working on sustainability reporting or CSRD alignment, it fits neatly into that journey.
3. It positions suppliers for future NHS requirements
From April 2027, suppliers bidding on contracts above £5 million must demonstrate:
A published carbon reduction plan
Measurement of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
A credible Net Zero target
Evergreen is one of the quickest ways to prepare.
The Role of Carbon Reporting in Evergreen
Carbon reporting is the backbone of the NHS Evergreen Assessment.
To score well, suppliers need:
A full GHG inventory (Scopes 1, 2, and 3)
A clear baseline year
Transparent emissions methodology
A credible, measurable reduction plan
If you need help collecting emissions from your supply chain or portfolio companies, check out Emerald Power’s guide to calculating Scope 3 emissions here:
👉 Internal link: “A Practical Guide – Calculating Your Scope 3 Emissions”
You can also explore Emerald Power’s article on setting Science Based Targets, which aligns closely with Evergreen requirements:
👉 Internal link: “How to Set Science Based Targets”
What the Evergreen Assessment Actually Assesses
The Evergreen model is broken into five levels of maturity, from Level 1 (early-stage understanding) through to Level 5 (fully mature Net Zero-aligned organisation).
You can download the full maturity matrix from NHS England:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/buying-for-net-zero/evergreen/
The key elements include:
1. Governance & Strategy
Does your organisation have sustainability embedded in leadership, policy, and operations?
2. Carbon Footprint Measurement
Have you measured Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3 categories?
If you’re new to this, Emerald Power's guide “Creating Your First Sustainability Report” walks through baselines, emissions sources, and reduction planning.
3. Carbon Reduction Planning
Do you have tangible actions, timelines, and interim targets — not just a Net Zero statement?
4. Transparency
Suppliers must publish and share data in line with the NHS reporting expectations.
5. Supply Chain Engagement
Are you supporting and encouraging your suppliers to measure their own emissions?
How to Prepare for the Evergreen Assessment
1. Build your carbon baseline
Start with a full Scope 1, 2, and 3 inventory. For SMEs in particular, Scope 3 will make up 80–95% of emissions.
Helpful resource: UK Government GHG Reporting Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/measuring-and-reporting-environmental-impacts-guidance-for-businesses
2. Create a carbon reduction plan
This should align with NHS Net Zero expectations and be publicly available.
A good starting point is the UK government’s Carbon Reduction Plan template:
3. Set science-aligned targets
NHS England expects suppliers to be on a credible pathway to Net Zero.
You can explore guidance on the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) here:
https://sciencebasedtargets.org/
4. Embed sustainability into governance
The NHS looks for leadership accountability, KPIs, and integration with organisational strategy.
5. Submit your Evergreen Assessment
Register and submit directly through Atamis:
https://atamis-1928.my.site.com/s/evergreen
FAQs
Is the NHS Evergreen Assessment mandatory?
Not yet — but it strongly supports NHS procurement success and prepares suppliers for upcoming mandatory carbon reporting requirements.
Do SMEs need to complete Evergreen?
SMEs are encouraged but not required. However, completing it early helps build credibility and readiness for future NHS expectations.
What does a good Evergreen submission look like?
Clear carbon accounting, transparent reporting, and credible reduction plans — supported by evidence.
How often should suppliers update their assessment?
Annually is recommended, especially as the NHS increases its Net Zero requirements.
Final Thoughts
The NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment is more than a box-ticking exercise — it’s becoming a core part of doing business with the NHS. Suppliers who invest now in high-quality carbon reporting, transparency, and reduction planning will gain a long-term competitive advantage.
If you want help measuring your emissions or preparing sustainability documentation for procurement, you can link internally to Emerald Power resources like:
How to Improve Your EcoVadis Score