Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment

The Evergreen tool is designed as a single, consistent mechanism for suppliers to share sustainability data with NHS procurement teams and buyers, supporting transparency and alignment with NHS net-zero and broader sustainability goals. It replaces older, fragmented reporting approaches and acts as the NHS’s central sustainability engagement platform for suppliers.

Why Evergreen Matters to Your Organisation

For NHS buyers and procurement teams, Evergreen provides:

✔ Greater Supply-Chain Visibility
A centralised repository of supplier sustainability data helps NHS organisations understand progress on emissions reduction and social value commitments across their supply chains.

✔ Consistency in Supplier Dialogues
A standard assessment framework ensures continuity and comparability in sustainability discussions with suppliers.

✔ Enhanced Contract Management
Assessment data can inform contract KPIs and performance conversations, particularly where carbon reduction and social value are strategic priorities.

Assessment Structure & Scoring

The Evergreen framework assigns suppliers to one of four sustainability maturity levels, reflecting increasing alignment with NHS net-zero and ethical procurement objectives:

• Level 1 — Foundational: Publicly committed to net zero with initial sustainability engagement.

• Level 2 — Developing: Established net-zero targets and carbon reporting, with structured social value reporting.

• Level 3 — Advanced: Net-zero targets validated externally, with mature reporting across emissions scope 1, 2 and 3.

• Level 4 — Leadership: Highest maturity — global validated targets, extensive transparency, and proactive modern-slavery and social-value management.

This maturity model reflects best practices from recognised frameworks such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and modern-slavery assessment approaches.

Who Should Complete the Assessment

• Any organisation that currently supplies or plans to supply goods or services to NHS England, integrated care boards or NHS trusts in England.

• Completion is recommended annually, with the maturity score valid for 12 months; updates may be submitted throughout the year if substantive progress is made.

While Evergreen is not generally used as a scored procurement criterion, it is mandated in specific cases, including:

• NHS Supply Chain framework suppliers (required submission dates apply).

• NHS England medicines tenders that apply net-zero and social value requirements.

How We Support Implementation

Our advisory services help organisations:

• Align carbon-reduction and sustainability strategies to Evergreen criteria

• Establish internal reporting and governance processes

• Improve maturity levels strategically, not just for compliance

• Strengthen long-term positioning within NHS procurement frameworks

Approached correctly, Evergreen is more than a reporting tool — it is a strategic lever for commercial credibility and sustainable growth within the NHS market. Contact us today to begin your implementation process.