Helping your carbon net zero (CNZ) journey

The government has set a target to reduce carbon consumption to net zero by 2050. We are here to support you on your carbon reduction journey. Some of our carbon reduction solutions include:

  • renewable energy
  • low-emission vehicles
  • technology hardware
Find a carbon net zero solution

Learn how we can help you reach your CNZ and sustainability targets.

An indoor electric charging station

Funding and grants for carbon net zero

Finding funding for carbon net zero projects can be challenging. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of open CNZ grants and funding opportunities from across the government. Some grants available are:

View live grants

More ways we can help

  • How to create a carbon reduction plan (CRP)

    This guide helps you create a compliant CRP for public contracts over £5 million. It outlines net zero commitments (by 2050 or sooner), industry examples and how to calculate scope 1 to 3 emissions using tools and templates.

    Find out how to create a carbon reduction plan (CRP).

  • Buying greener technology: download our guide

    The Buying Greener Technology in the UK guide is designed to help public sector buyers make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.

    This guide was created by Crown Commercial Service in partnership with PUBLIC and funding from the Open Contracting Partnership’s LIFT programme.

    Download our buying greener technology guide.

Your carbon net zero questions answered

What is carbon net zero?

 

Sometimes known as ‘net zero carbon’ or ‘net zero’, carbon net zero describes a state where any Carbon Dioxide (CO2) or Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions left over after decarbonisation are offset by removing an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. This results in no net GHG impact.

What does this mean for the UK?

Carbon net zero means that the UK’s total GHG emissions would be equal to or less than the emissions the UK removed from the environment. This can be achieved by a combination of emission reduction and emission removal.

The carbon net zero target requires total decarbonisation of electricity, transport, buildings, industry, and the public sector, with interim targets and legislation to help us get there.

Why is reaching carbon net zero important?

 

The government has stated that climate change is an existential threat to humanity. Without global action to limit GHG emissions, the climate will change catastrophically with almost unimaginable consequences for societies across the world. 

The public sector is in a unique position of being able to lead the way for the rest of the country. Our activities directly influence the behaviours of the citizens we serve across the UK.

In recognition of the risks to the UK and other countries, the UK became the first major economy to implement a legally binding net zero target.

What does the 2050 target mean?

 

The UK has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% against 1990 levels.

There are many ways in which we can achieve this, such as halving non-traded emissions from buildings by 2032 (as outlined in the Clean Growth Strategy).

Key dates for reaching carbon net zero

Carbon net zero terminology

To help you understand the different terms and what they mean, we have pulled together a handy glossary of terms.

CNZ webinars

We have hosted several different webinars to help you on your buying journey. Here are a few:

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    Our Sustainability team has compiled a list of the 5 top ‘tripwires’ that customers encounter when looking for answers to the challenge of sustainability in CNZ and social value in procurement.

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Helpful information before you start buying

Your buying decisions have the power to boost local economy, make our society fairer, strengthen communities and make the future greener. Make those decisions with CCS.

Upcoming events

View all

  1. 23 October 2025

    Webinar: Carbon Reduction Plans – training for public sector buyers

  2. 28 August 2025

    Webinar: Carbon Reduction Plans – training for public sector buyers

Get in touch with our carbon net zero experts

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Email: info@crowncommercial.gov.uk
Telephone: 0345 410 2222

CCS customer services team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.