Making sure your Carbon Reduction Plan shines

What is a Carbon Reduction Plan – and why outsourcing can save thousands of pounds

Carbon Reduction Plans (CRPs) are becoming a non-negotiable requirement across the UK construction sector. Driven by government procurement rules, net zero commitments and increasing client expectations, businesses are now expected to clearly demonstrate how they measure, manage and reduce their carbon emissions. But while the requirement is growing, understanding what a CRP actually is – and how to produce one cost-effectively for your own specific needs and context – is where we can help.

What is a CRP?

A CRP is a formal document that outlines an organisation’s current carbon footprint, typically covering Scope 1, 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions, alongside clear targets and actions for reducing emissions over time. For construction businesses, this may include fuel use, site operations, materials, supply chains, travel and energy consumption. Importantly, for many public sector and large private tenders, having a compliant CRP is a pass/fail requirement. Without one, bids may not even be considered.

A typical case study

Recently, one of our clients came to us after receiving a quote for a Carbon Reduction Plan that was far beyond their budget (and expectations!). At the same time, they were preparing a tender submission where the CRP was mandatory. They were understandably concerned that meeting compliance requirements would mean sacrificing other critical investments. That’s where our team at Procter Street stepped in.

Saving £7k... By leveraging our expertise and our network of trusted, specialist providers, we delivered a fully compliant Carbon Reduction Plan that was £7,000 lower than their original quote. This wasn’t about cutting corners – it was about finding a smarter, more efficient route to compliance that aligned with both sustainability goals and commercial realities.

A common challenge for SMEs

This highlights a key issue facing many construction businesses: doing it yourself often costs more in the long run. Carbon reduction planning is complex, time-consuming and constantly evolving. Interpreting guidance, collecting accurate data and ensuring alignment with procurement standards can quickly drain internal resources – particularly for SMEs without dedicated sustainability teams. Mistakes or omissions can also result in non-compliance, wasted effort or rejected tender submissions.

Outsourcing your Carbon Reduction Plan removes this risk. It gives you access to specialist knowledge, proven methodologies and up-to-date compliance standards, without the overhead of developing in-house expertise. It also ensures the plan is practical, proportionate and genuinely useful – not just a box-ticking exercise.

Why does this matter?

• Businesses shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and compliance

• A well-structured CRP unlocks access to tenders, frameworks and partnerships

• Cost savings allow companies to reinvest in growth while still meeting environmental commitments

At Procter Street, we believe sustainability should be accessible, realistic and commercially sound. If you’re facing challenges with carbon reduction planning – or want to ensure you’re not paying more than you need to – our team is here to help. Talk to us to discover a smarter approach to carbon reduction planning.