A clear path for NHS suppliers on the journey to net zero
The NHS in England has made a globally significant pledge: to become the world’s first net zero health system. This commitment recognises that climate change is a health emergency, and that sustainability must be built into every part of healthcare delivery—including its vast supply chain of over 80,000 suppliers.
To support this journey, NHS England has introduced the Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment. This self-assessment and reporting tool provides a single route for suppliers to share their sustainability information with the NHS. For any organisation working within or aiming to work with the NHS, understanding Evergreen is no longer optional—it’s essential.
What is the Evergreen Assessment?
The Evergreen Assessment allows suppliers to benchmark their sustainability practices and demonstrate how they align with NHS priorities. It offers a structured approach to reporting, enabling transparency, comparability, and a clearer route to improvement. It also supports NHS procurement teams by simplifying how supplier sustainability data is collected and reviewed.
Suppliers complete the assessment via the Health Family Single eCommercial System, and are scored across four maturity levels—from basic commitments at Level 1 to comprehensive, independently verified performance at Level 4.
The Four Levels of Sustainability Maturity
Level 1 – Starting the Journey
- Public commitment to net zero by 2050 within the UK
- Reporting on Scope 1 and 2, and key Scope 3 emissions
- Active environmental management measures
Level 2 – Going Further
- Meet all Level 1 criteria
- Report on all relevant Scope 3 emissions
- Publish a modern slavery statement
- Have a corporate social value programme in place
Level 3 – Validated and Accelerating
- Meet all Level 2 criteria
- Commit to net zero by 2045 globally
- Independent validation of both emissions targets and reported data
- Complete the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool (MSAT)
Level 4 – Leading the Field
- Meet all Level 3 criteria
- Emissions targets must cover global activities across all scopes
- Achieve recognition via CDP, EcoVadis, or B Corp
- Take proactive steps on supply chain mapping and modern slavery risk
Suppliers must meet the requirements of each preceding level to advance. This encourages a cumulative and consistent approach to sustainability.
What Does the Assessment Cover?
The Evergreen Assessment consists of 18 sections, spanning key sustainability areas:
- Emissions targets and verification (Scope 1, 2, and 3)
- Emissions reduction programmes
- Renewable energy and electric vehicles
- Sustainable shipping and product carbon footprinting
- Circular economy practices
- Corporate social value and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Modern slavery and transparency reporting
Each section is supported by detailed guidance, aligned standards, and good practice examples—all available in the official NHS User Guide. This support helps suppliers provide accurate, relevant, and high-quality information.
Benefits for Suppliers and the NHS
For suppliers, Evergreen provides:
- A clear benchmark to measure progress
- Insight into NHS sustainability expectations
- A unified way to communicate sustainability performance
- A basis for internal planning and investment decisions
For the NHS, the benefits include:
- Greater visibility of sustainability progress across the supply chain
- Simplified data gathering to support procurement decisions
- A structured approach to supplier engagement and contract management
Communicating Your Maturity Level
The NHS has issued specific Communications Guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency. Suppliers can publicly share their maturity score on their website or social media using the approved language.
However, it’s important to note:
- Use of the NHS logo or images is not permitted
- Communications must not suggest NHS endorsement
- Maturity levels must only be communicated during their 12-month validity
The guidelines include sample text for each level, helping suppliers present their results professionally and accurately.
A Shared Commitment
The Evergreen Assessment is more than a reporting exercise—it’s a framework for collaboration. It enables NHS suppliers to play a proactive role in tackling climate change and driving innovation in healthcare sustainability.
By understanding and engaging with Evergreen, suppliers not only improve their prospects of securing NHS contracts but also contribute meaningfully to public health, environmental resilience, and a net zero future.
Want to know more?
If you’re unsure where to start or how to progress through the Evergreen Assessment levels, we can help. Our team at Sustainable X supports NHS suppliers across all sectors to meet the criteria, plan their carbon reduction strategies, and communicate their impact effectively.