How CDW UK built business resilience through accelerated carbon reporting under PPN 06/21

Executive summary

CDW UK, a leading IT solutions provider, had already been reporting under frameworks like SECR (the UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting policy) when the UK government introduced Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21, requiring the publication and ongoing maintenance of a Carbon Reduction Plan from any supplier bidding on central government contracts over £5 million. This mandate elevated the urgency and complexity of emissions reporting, especially across select scope 3 categories.

The challenge: navigating regulatory complexity

As a comprehensive IT solutions provider serving enterprise, SMB, and public-sector clients across the UK, CDW was already engaged in emissions reporting before the UK government introduced PPN 06/21. However, this new requirement raised the bar for reporting expectations, particularly in scope 3 coverage and timeline sensitivity.

Although CDW had an existing consultancy-led process, it became clear that this approach was too slow and resource-intensive to meet the new requirements reliably. 

Accelerating reporting to unlock compliance and capacity

To meet the demands of PPN 06/21 and SECR with greater speed and reliability, CDW selected Normative as a strategic partner. The platform, combined with hands-on support from Normative’s climate strategy team, quickly integrated into CDW’s operations, dramatically improving data collection to compliant reporting and data quality.

Crucially, this was accomplished without expanding CDW’s internal sustainability team, allowing the business to meet regulatory requirements with greater confidence and agility than many of its industry peers.

Delivering faster while improving data quality

The shift to Normative’s platform didn’t just accelerate reporting; it enhanced CDW’s overall emissions data. Normative enabled a transition from spend-based to activity-based emissions reporting, increasing the accuracy and reliability of year-over-year comparisons, even as CDW scaled significantly.

“We’ve maintained strong data continuity through substantial growth. That’s a true success story for us, and it speaks volumes about the robustness of the Normative platform,” said Jon Steggles.

This level of precision and responsiveness strengthened CDW’s ability to retain key public sector contracts, meet disclosure requirements on tight timelines, and maintain a credible position in increasingly competitive procurement processes.

Operational excellence and sustainability outcomes

Beyond compliance, Normative’s insights and structured approach empowered CDW to drive concrete operational improvements. Notable successes include:

• Transitioning the car fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles led to a 16% reduction in emissions per kilometer travelled.
• Reducing operational waste by 97.5% compared to baseline levels through improved waste segregation and management practices.
• Implementing policy shifts, such as updated business travel guidelines and expanding renewable energy initiatives.

These operational enhancements fed back into stronger, more defensible emissions data, creating a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement.

A strategic partnership, not just a platform

What distinguished Normative most for CDW was the proactive, strategic nature of the partnership. The Normative team consistently identifies potential reporting opportunities, ensuring CDW remains ahead of potential compliance requirements.

“Normative doesn’t simply deliver reports. They anticipate and address challenges before they arise, providing peace of mind that significantly de-risks our business,” said John.

CDW UK’s partnership with Normative transformed carbon accounting from a regulatory hurdle into a strategic asset. By enabling rapid, reliable, and efficient emissions reporting, Normative helps CDW build deeper business resilience, sustain and grow its public sector presence, and lead by example within the technology industry.