• A new 7-step guide offers practical steps to help companies decarbonize supply chains by engaging suppliers.
• Developed by CDP, Ceres, and the We Mean Business Coalition, the guide supports Scope 3 emissions reductions, often the largest emissions source.
• Real-world case studies from companies like HP, PepsiCo, and Unilever show how supplier engagement drives measurable climate impact.

New Framework Launched to Help Companies Cut Supply Chain Emissions

The We Mean Business Coalition, in partnership with CDP and Ceres, has released a new guide to help companies engage suppliers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Titled “Supplier Engagement Guidance: A 7-Step Approach for Accelerating Decarbonization,” the report provides a practical framework for addressing Scope 3 emissions—the most significant and complex emissions category for most companies.

Why Supplier Engagement Matters

For many companies, Scope 3 emissions—those indirectly produced across the value chain—make up more than 70% of their total climate impact. Without engaging suppliers, companies can’t meet science-based targets or achieve net zero.

The guidance offers a roadmap to support companies in:

• Setting clear goals for supplier engagement
• Prioritizing suppliers based on emissions and influence
• Aligning procurement and climate strategies
• Sharing tools and resources with suppliers to build capacity

Real-World Case Studies: Lessons from Leaders

The report includes success stories from companies already seeing results through supplier engagement:

• HP Inc. incentivizes suppliers with financial rewards for emissions reductions.
• PepsiCo uses supplier scorecards to embed sustainability into procurement decisions.
• Unilever offers digital platforms to guide suppliers in emissions tracking and reporting.

What’s in the 7-Step Framework?

The steps outlined in the guide include:

1. Assess your supply chain emissions footprint.
2. Set targets for supplier engagement and emissions reduction.
3. Prioritize suppliers based on climate impact and readiness.
4. Align internal incentives and governance to support engagement.
5. Engage suppliers with clear expectations and resources.
6. Support suppliers through training, data tools, and financing options.
7. Track and report progress transparently and consistently.

Each step is backed by tools, real-life examples, and metrics to drive measurable progress.

A Call to Action for Climate-Conscious Companies

The report serves as both a guide and a call to action: companies serious about net zero must embed supplier engagement into their core business strategy. As regulations tighten and investor pressure grows, transparency and collaboration in the supply chain are no longer optional—they are mission-critical.

For more details and to download the full guide, See below:

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