Why Net Zero Still Matters (Even When It’s Not in the Tender)

July 20, 2025

Net zero commitments aren’t always explicitly listed in social care tenders — but that doesn’t mean they’re off the commissioner’s radar. Environmental sustainability remains tightly linked to social value and responsible business practice. In many cases, it feeds into how your organisation is perceived overall, including your ability to deliver outcomes aligned with local authority or NHS objectives.

Why does this matter for you?

Even without specific questions on carbon reduction, many commissioners expect organisations to demonstrate awareness of environmental impacts.
Embedding sustainability can strengthen your positioning in quality submissions, governance questions, and social value pledges.
Commissioners may review your website, published documents, and operational policies for indicators of good practice.

Common pitfalls to avoid:

Claiming ‘net zero’ targets with no evidence or plan behind them.
Forgetting that scope 3 emissions (your supply chain) increasingly matter to public sector bodies.
Neglecting to reference environmental considerations at all in your tenders.

What practical steps should you take?

Develop clear internal documentation, even a short policy, outlining your approach to environmental sustainability.
Engage staff at all levels on why small changes (energy, waste, procurement choices) matter collectively.
Ensure your social value statements consistently reference environmental responsibility where appropriate.

Written by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd — specialists in bid writing and strategy for social care providers.
Visit impact-guru.co.uk to browse downloadable strategies, method statements, or get in touch about tender support.