Q: PPN 006 vs SECR — what's the difference?

They serve different audiences. SECR (Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting) is a UK statutory disclosure obligation for large companies and LLPs, disclosed inside the annual directors' report filed at Companies House. PPN 006 is the UK Cabinet Office procurement guidance that defines the Carbon Reduction Plan format — a published document covering your commitment to net zero, current emissions, and reduction actions. The two use a similar emissions methodology, but SECR is a statutory filing while a CRP is a public-facing supplier document often requested in tender submissions.

Question 1

What kinds of construction contracts on Contracts Finder typically ask for a Carbon Reduction Plan?

Accepted Answer

Major civils, housing and infrastructure tenders from central government, Network Rail, National Highways, and the larger councils commonly request a CRP at the selection stage. Some lead contractors also ask subcontractors to provide their own CRP under flow-down clauses. Your tender pack is the source of truth — if it asks for a CRP, CarbonPass generates one.

Question 2

Do construction subcontractors need their own Carbon Reduction Plan?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. On larger framework and civils contracts, lead contractors pass carbon requirements down to subcontractors through flow-down clauses, so a subcontractor can be asked for its own CRP even when it is not bidding the main contract directly. Check the documents the main contractor sends you — if they ask for a CRP, CarbonPass generates one.

Question 3

What emissions does a construction Carbon Reduction Plan need to cover?

Accepted Answer

A compliant CRP covers Scope 1 (site plant, generators, and company vehicle fuel), Scope 2 (purchased electricity), and defined Scope 3 categories, plus a commitment to net zero by 2050. For construction firms, site fuel and plant are usually the largest share. CarbonPass calculates all three scopes from your bills and fuel records.

Question 4

How fast can a construction SME produce a CRP for a live bid?

Accepted Answer

In an afternoon. You upload your energy bills and fuel records, answer a few questions about your sites and plant, and CarbonPass generates a complete, PPN 006 compliant Carbon Reduction Plan you can publish and link to in your submission — no consultant or spreadsheet required.

Question 5

What is a PPN 006 Carbon Reduction Plan?

Accepted Answer

A Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) is a public document setting out your organisation's commitment to reach net zero, your current emissions across Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3 categories, and the actions you're taking to reduce them. It's commonly requested by UK public-sector buyers as part of tender submissions. CarbonPass generates one from your utility bills and a few business questions — try the free PPN 006 readiness checker.

Question 6

How do I write a Carbon Reduction Plan for a UK government tender?

Accepted Answer

A typical CRP covers: (1) a net-zero commitment with a target year; (2) baseline-year Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, calculated using a recognised method such as the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard; (3) current reporting-year Scope 1 + Scope 2 emissions plus the Scope 3 categories your tender pack asks for; (4) emissions-reduction initiatives, either completed or planned; and (5) director-level sign-off and publication on your website. CarbonPass generates one from your utility bills and a few business questions — try the free PPN 006 readiness checker.

Question 7

PPN 006 vs SECR — what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

They serve different audiences. SECR (Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting) is a UK statutory disclosure obligation for large companies and LLPs, disclosed inside the annual directors' report filed at Companies House. PPN 006 is the UK Cabinet Office procurement guidance that defines the Carbon Reduction Plan format — a published document covering your commitment to net zero, current emissions, and reduction actions. The two use a similar emissions methodology, but SECR is a statutory filing while a CRP is a public-facing supplier document often requested in tender submissions.

Question 8

Do all UK government and NHS contracts require a Carbon Reduction Plan?

Accepted Answer

Not all — and your tender pack is the source of truth. UK public-sector buyers (central government, NHS, councils, public bodies) increasingly request a Carbon Reduction Plan as part of the submission, but whether yours does is something you'll see in the selection or evaluation questionnaire. If it does, CarbonPass generates a compliant CRP from your bills and a few business questions in an afternoon.

UK construction & trades public-sector contracts

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Rooftop Solar PV O&M Framework 2027

CA18575 - RFQ 2026/42 - Conservation Engineer for St Paul's Church The Crag Cemetery Rostrevor

A66 Northern Trans Pennine Project(NTP) - Carleton Underpass Structure (Precast Concrete Beams)

Manchester International Airport - Rail Footprint Civils

Refurbishment and Modernisation (RM4S) - Scotland Framework Agreement

Fareham Shopping Centre - Arcading works

Refurbishment and Modernisation (RM4S) - Scotland Framework Agreement

DPS1 1435 - Housing Tree Work

DPS1 1434 - Housing Tree Work