Cutting Carbon – Exploring the Different Types of Decarbonisation
What Is Decarbonisation? Understanding Its Role in Procurement & Carbon Reduction
Decarbonisation refers to the strategic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through low-carbon technologies and practices. In procurement, decarbonisation plays a crucial role in meeting regulatory standards, managing supply chain sustainability, and driving cost efficiency. Procurement professionals are central to the push for carbon reduction, leveraging their influence to select compliant, sustainable, and cost-effective suppliers that align with net-zero ambitions.
Decarbonisation as a Procurement Priority
Strategic Importance
Procurement is no longer just about securing the best price—it now encompasses sustainable sourcing strategies that mitigate environmental impact. With global climate targets becoming more urgent, procurement professionals must prioritise decarbonisation to future-proof operations and maintain competitiveness.
Legislation and Compliance
The UK government has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Initiatives like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) underscore procurement’s legal obligations. These regulations require procurement teams to evaluate suppliers based on carbon credentials and deliver outcomes that reflect sustainability mandates.
Risk Mitigation
Failing to decarbonise can result in financial penalties, reputational damage, and operational inefficiencies. Procurement teams that embed carbon reduction strategies into their sourcing processes reduce exposure to these risks and build more resilient supply chains.
The Built Environment’s Role in Reducing Carbon Emissions
Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions
Understanding the three scopes of emissions is vital:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned assets.
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy.
- Scope 3: Indirect emissions throughout the value chain (e.g., materials, services).
Procurement primarily influences Scope 3 emissions by selecting sustainable suppliers and products.
Why Construction, Maintenance, and Retrofitting Need Urgent Action
Buildings account for 40% of global energy consumption. The procurement of energy-efficient systems and low-carbon materials is essential in driving down emissions in the built environment. Maintenance and retrofitting strategies should focus on integrating carbon-smart technologies.
Procurement’s Responsibility
Procurement professionals must identify and partner with low-carbon suppliers who meet compliance standards and deliver value through energy efficiency, reducing lifecycle emissions significantly.
Why a Decarbonisation Strategy Is Critical for Procurement Leaders
A robust decarbonisation strategy enables procurement leaders to align with national targets, deliver cost savings, and build supply chains that are future-ready.
Key Benefits of Decarbonisation in Procurement
- Cost Savings & ROI: Investing in sustainable technologies yields long-term savings through reduced energy consumption and maintenance.
- Regulatory Compliance: Alignment with UK carbon legislation ensures eligibility for public funding and contract awards.
- Supply Chain Sustainability: Lower Scope 3 emissions by onboarding suppliers with proven sustainability credentials.
Enhanced ESG Credentials: Organisations with solid decarbonisation plans are better positioned for tenders requiring environmental responsibility.
Building a Strategic Decarbonisation Roadmap
- Carbon Footprint Assessment: Start by identifying emissions hotspots within procurement operations.
- Sustainable Supplier Partnerships: Prioritise vendors with measurable carbon reduction records and certifications.
- Lifecycle Cost Analysis: Focus on long-term value rather than lowest initial price.
Monitoring & Reporting: Use digital tools to track supplier performance and maintain transparency.
The Different Types of Decarbonisation in Property Services
Procurement-led decarbonisation in property services revolves around three key strategies:
Renewable Energy Solutions for Sustainable Facilities
- Supplier Selection: Procure energy from verified providers offering solar, wind, and geothermal technologies.
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Secure long-term contracts for cost predictability and emissions reduction.
- Battery Storage & Grid Independence: Procure solutions that improve energy security and lower dependency on carbon-heavy grids.
Retrofitting: Enhancing Existing Buildings for Carbon Reduction
Retrofitting Projects: Prioritise experienced suppliers with accreditations in energy optimisation.
- Energy-Efficient Systems: Procure high-performance HVAC, insulation, and LED lighting for lasting savings.
- Smart Technologies: Source vendors offering IoT-enabled monitoring for continuous energy optimisation.
- Sustainable Building Materials: Low-Carbon Procurement Eco-Friendly Materials: Procure recycled, renewable, and low-carbon construction materials.
- Supply Chain Transparency: Ensure traceability and environmental compliance.
- Certifications: Look for BREEAM, PAS 2080, and other credentials to validate material sustainability.
How Bell Supports Procurement Teams in Achieving Net-Zero
Bell delivers bespoke decarbonisation services that empower procurement teams to meet environmental and financial goals.
Tailored Decarbonisation Strategies for Different Sectors
- Public Sector: Bell helps councils and government entities meet PSDS and net-zero mandates.
- Commercial Facilities: Implementing smart energy systems and efficient maintenance for large commercial portfolios.
- Housing & Social Infrastructure: Bell leads in retrofitting projects that upgrade energy performance in residential properties.
Why Procurement Teams Choose Bell
- Proven Expertise: A track record of delivering measurable carbon reductions across diverse sectors.
- Full Compliance: Certified for public and private sector projects, ensuring procurement aligns with all legal requirements.
- Turnkey Solutions: From initial assessment to implementation and tracking, Bell provides end-to-end decarbonisation support.
- Cost-Effective Sustainability: Bell identifies funding opportunities to offset costs and maximise ROI.
Procurement Efficiency & Compliance Outcomes
Effective procurement strategies not only streamline operations but also deliver measurable outcomes in both sustainability and financial performance. By harnessing real-time data, organisations can monitor carbon emissions and cost savings simultaneously, ensuring procurement decisions align with broader ESG objectives and budgetary targets. This level of visibility supports compliance with internal policies and external regulations, while also producing tangible environmental and economic benefits.
Equally important is the ability to evaluate supplier performance through transparent reporting. These insights enable procurement professionals to make informed decisions, optimise supplier selection, and promote accountability across the supply chain. Furthermore, sharing knowledge from past projects helps embed best practices into future initiatives, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
The Future of Decarbonisation in Procurement & Property Services
The Evolving Landscape of Decarbonisation Regulations
Procurement is operating within a rapidly shifting regulatory environment, as decarbonisation becomes a central focus for governments and industry alike. Increasingly, organisations must navigate new mandates related to carbon reporting, which demand greater transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. At the same time, incentives such as grants for clean energy initiatives are being introduced to encourage sustainable procurement practices.
However, the regulatory landscape is not solely based on rewards—there are also growing penalties for suppliers with poor emissions records or non-compliance with environmental standards. These developments require procurement teams to be proactive and well-informed, ensuring supplier selection and purchasing decisions are aligned with both current and emerging regulatory expectations.
How Bell Helps Future-Proof Your Procurement Strategy
Bell provides scalable, flexible solutions designed to adapt seamlessly to changing regulations and evolving market conditions. Whether responding to new carbon reporting requirements or taking advantage of sustainability incentives, Bell’s service model supports procurement teams in maintaining both compliance and long-term resilience.
Key elements of Bell’s approach include:
- Scalable Solutions – A flexible service model that evolves with your regulatory obligations and business needs.
- Long-Term Partnerships – Emphasis on continuous improvement through regular monitoring, data insights, and close collaboration.
- Regulatory & ESG Alignment – Ensures that every procurement decision supports compliance, meets sustainability targets, and strengthens ESG performance.
By integrating these principles, Bell empowers organisations to make procurement a strategic lever for both compliance and sustainability.
FAQs About The Different Types Of Decarbonisation
What are the main types of decarbonisation in procurement?
Procurement can support decarbonisation through:
- Renewable energy sourcing.
- Retrofitting of existing buildings.
- Procuring sustainable materials.
Each contributes to carbon reduction across the property lifecycle.
How does procurement influence carbon reduction in the built environment?
Procurement professionals select suppliers, materials, and technologies that shape building performance and emissions. Strategic sourcing directly impacts Scope 1–3 emissions.
What is the difference between Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in procurement?
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned operations.
- Scope 2: Emissions from purchased electricity.
- Scope 3: Emissions from the supply chain—the area most influenced by procurement.
Why is retrofitting important for decarbonisation?
Retrofitting upgrades existing buildings with efficient systems, cutting energy use and carbon output. Procurement ensures the right partners and materials are selected to optimise outcomes.
Are there funding opportunities for procurement-led decarbonisation?
Yes. Schemes like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme offer grants for approved projects. Procurement teams can secure these by aligning with compliant suppliers.
How can procurement teams ensure ongoing carbon reduction performance?
Use digital tools for tracking, implement supplier KPIs, and engage with experienced partners like Bell for continuous improvement.
