Version: 1.0
Document Control
Document Title | Sustainability and Net Zero Policy |
Version | 1.0 |
Author | GE ASD |
Approved By | SE NC JM CG |
Issue Date | October 2025 |
Review Date | October 2026 |
- Policy Statement
Woodgate Aviation recognises its responsibility to operate in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner while maintaining the highest standards of safety and clinical care.
As a provider of 24/7 critical air transfer services, we acknowledge that aviation fuel consumption represents our most significant environmental impact.
This policy sets out realistic and measurable actions to reduce our carbon footprint, support the UK Government’s Net Zero 2050 target, and comply with Procurement Policy Note 06/21 (PPN 06/21).
UK Government states that the PPN holds non-mandatory status for Devolved Administrations, this means in Northern Ireland it is not automatically required by statute for all public procurements.
However, a contracting authority (such as one in Northern Ireland) may choose to adopt the PPN’s criteria in its procurement processes, meaning that while it is not mandatory by default, it can be applied, and Woodgate Aviation will ensure we aim to match the required standards to match best practice.
PPN 06/21: Frequently asked questions – GOV.UK
- Procurement Policy Note (PPN 06/21) Outline
Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21 – Taking Account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the Procurement of Major Government Contracts
Is a plan that is issued by the UK Cabinet Office and sets out the requirement for all suppliers bidding for central government contracts valued at £5 million or more per annum to:
- Commit to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with the UK Government’s overall Net Zero Strategy.
- Publish a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP), which must:
- Detail the supplier’s current greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1, 2 and 3 where possible).
- Outline environmental management measures and carbon reduction initiatives currently in place.
- Be approved at Board level, published on the supplier’s website, and reviewed annually.
The purpose of PPN 06/21 is to ensure that public sector procurement supports the Government’s Net Zero 2050 target, encouraging suppliers to measure, manage, and reduce carbon emissions through transparent reporting and continuous improvement.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all Woodgate Aviation operations, including flight operations, ground ambulance movements, base facilities, procurement, and waste management.
- Strategic Objectives
Carbon Accountability – Plan to measure and report Scope 1 & 2 emissions annually by 2027 or before if required
Incremental Reduction – Target a 10% reduction in total operational emissions by 2030.
Sustainable Procurement – Embed sustainability criteria in all purchasing decisions.
Collaboration – Work with partners to identify emission-reduction opportunities.
Transparency – Aim to start publishing annual Carbon Reduction Summary in line with PPN 06/21.
- Approach and Actions
Aircraft Operations:
Maintain the Aircraft fleets efficiently, using flight planning optimisation, reduced APU use, ensure maintenance for peak efficiency and assess feasibility of blended Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) as market availability improves.
Ground Operations:
Where possible we will source or request low-emission or Hybrid vehicles where possible install EV charging at bases, and look to source renewable-source electricity by 2026 by means of ensuring that our procurement teams aim to research and source renewable suppliers where possible.
Supply Chain:
Prioritise suppliers with sustainability credentials and ISO 14001 certification.
Staff Engagement:
Provide sustainability training, encourage digital workflows, and minimise resource waste in line with our environmental policies.
Clinical Integration:
Ensure responsible use of medical consumables and environmentally compliant waste management.
- Monitoring and Reporting
The annual Sustainability Report will be reviewed by the Senior Directorate and shared when required. Performance metrics will be tracked via a Sustainability and Quality Dashboard and updated.
- Governance and Accountability
Oversight is maintained by the Group Board and Operational and Medical Directorate and supported by a Sustainability Lead.
7. Realistic Position
While recognising that the current aircraft fleet comprises older types, Woodgate Aviation remains committed to operational efficiency, measurable emissions reduction, and proactive engagement with industry developments towards cleaner aviation technologies.
8. References
Procurement Policy Note 06/21 (PPN 06/21): Taking Account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the Procurement of Major Government Contracts.
UK Cabinet Office, 2021.
Outlines the requirement for suppliers bidding for UK Government contracts above £5 million per annum to publish and maintain a Carbon Reduction Plan and commit to achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0621-taking-account-of-carbon-reduction-plans-in-the-procurement-of-major-government-contracts
PPN 06/21: Frequently Asked Questions.
Cabinet Office, 2023 update.
Confirms that PPN 06/21 applies to Central Government Departments, Executive Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies in England and is not mandatory for Devolved Administrations (including Northern Ireland), though may be adopted voluntarily by contracting authorities such as HSCNI / BSO PaLS.
Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0621-taking-account-of-carbon-reduction-plans-in-the-procurement-of-major-government-contracts/ppn-0621-frequently-asked-questions
Guidance on Adopting and Applying PPN 06/21 – Selection Criteria (April 2023).
Cabinet Office, UK Government.
Provides detailed implementation guidance for public bodies choosing to apply the principles of PPN 06/21.
Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6426d80ffbe620000c17da61/Guidance-on-adopting-and-applying-PPN-06_21-_-Selection-Criteria-April-23.pdf
Northern Ireland Department of Finance – Public Procurement Policy Framework.
The Department of Finance (DoF) issues Northern Ireland Procurement Policy Notes (NIPPNs) to formally adopt or adapt UK PPNs where appropriate.
Although PPN 06/21 has not yet been re-issued as an NIPPN, HSCNI and BSO PaLS have adopted its principles within procurement documentation (e.g. CP13 Preliminary Market Engagement – Appendix 4) to align with UK Net Zero and sustainability requirements.
Available at: https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/topics/procurement
Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Establishes a statutory duty to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aligning Northern Ireland’s environmental legislation with UK and NHS sustainability objectives.
Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2022/31/enacted