Environmental and Social Governance (ESG)
Who this page is for
This page is for suppliers and council staff involved in buying or managing goods, services and works. It explains how the Zero Ask approach can help suppliers align with Shropshire Council’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.
ESG means considering how an organisation affects the environment, supports people and communities, and is managed responsibly. It provides a practical way to consider sustainability, social value and good governance when delivering a contract.
Why ESG and sustainable procurement matter
Our procurement strategy requires the goods, services and works we purchase to represent best value for money, taking account of whole-life costs and quality. We spend around £300m each year, so considering environmental, social and economic impacts alongside long-term financial implications can make a significant difference. The best decision considers lifetime cost as well as upfront cost; depending on the service and market sector, lower carbon emissions and costs can go hand in hand.
We already estimate our full Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions each year. Our next step is to apply more robust and proportionate weighting to carbon performance when evaluating contracts. This provides an evidence-based way to reduce supply-chain emissions over time while keeping requirements fair and relevant to each contract.
Zero Ask toolkit
The Buyers Zero Ask Toolkit helps contract managers—staff who buy or oversee outsourced goods and services—to understand suppliers’ carbon impacts, and to use that information to inform proportionate procurement and contract-management decisions.
The Suppliers Zero Ask Toolkit supports providers to report carbon information, meet contractual commitments and identify practical actions suited to their sector. Examples of ESG practice include reducing waste and single-use materials; improving the energy efficiency of buildings, vehicles and equipment; using renewable energy; cutting business travel and transport emissions; supporting fair employment, skills and local communities; and maintaining transparent, responsible governance.
Benefits for suppliers
Engaging with Zero Ask can help suppliers strengthen future bids, demonstrate readiness for evolving customer and reporting expectations, identify opportunities to reduce costs and emissions, enhance their reputation, and show a positive impact on employees and communities. It also supports meaningful social value—benefits for local communities and residents that go beyond the core requirements of a contract. The Zero Ask toolkit and associated form isn't intended to overwhelm suppliers with impossible goals but to make the journey pragmatic, clearer and more manageable.