One of the most common questions suppliers ask is: "What information are customers actually looking for?". The answer depends on the product, service and relationship involved, but customers generally want information that helps them better understand the emissions associated with what they purchase.
Importantly, most organisations are not looking for perfect data from day one. They are looking for information that is credible, relevant and fit for purpose.
Not all emissions data is the same
The level of detail a customer requires may vary depending on the nature of the purchase, the significance of the associated emissions, and how they intend to use the data.
Basic operational data
Some customers may only require activity data from your core operations, allocated according to their share of the business they do with you. Examples include:
- On-site energy consumption (e.g. electricity, gas and fuel)
- Fuel use from your transport fleet
- Freight activity (e.g. distance travelled and loads transported)
This information can be used to estimate the emissions associated with the goods and services they purchase from your organisation.
Product or service-level data
Other organisations may request more detailed information, such as ‘cradle to gate’ emissions associated with a specific product or service.
This enables customers to incorporate the data into more comprehensive emissions measurements and make more informed decisions about their own emissions reduction strategies.
Organisational emissions information
In some cases, customers may ask whether you:
- Measure your organisational emissions
- Have emissions reduction targets
- Participate in certification or verification programmes
- Report publicly on climate performance
These requests are becoming increasingly common within procurement processes.
What makes emissions data useful?
Good emissions data does not need to be complicated. The most useful information is typically:
CLEAR
The reporting period, boundaries and assumptions are explained.
CONSISTENT
The same approach is used each year wherever possible.
RELEVANT
The information relates directly to the product or service being supplied.
TIMELY
Data is available when customers need it.
What if you don't have all the answers?
Many suppliers are still developing their emissions measurement capabilities.
If you're unable to provide all requested information:
- Explain what information is available.
- Be transparent about any limitations.
- Identify where estimates have been used.
- Understand when customers may require verified emissions data
- Share any plans to improve future reporting.
The key thing to remember is that unsupported claims can undermine trust and credibility. Customers with a strong focus on climate performance are often more interested in honesty and demonstrated progress than perfect data. Be transparent about limitations, clearly identify any estimates used, and ensure any claims you make can be substantiated.
Supplier data checklist
Before providing emissions information, consider whether it will be relevant and useful to your customer:
- Is it specific to the product or service they are purchasing?
- Does it reflect the relevant geographic and reporting period context?
- Is the unit of measure clearly defined?
- What emissions sources are included or excluded?
- Are the methodology, assumptions and limitations transparent?
- Is supporting evidence available?
- Is there a point of contact for questions or clarification?
- Has the information been independently verified or assured?
The bottom line
Providing useful emissions information does not necessarily require sophisticated systems. A clear, transparent and consistent approach can go a long way towards meeting customer needs, supporting informed decision-making, and building trust.
Explore our supplier series
Understand what climate-invested customers expect from their suppliers. Respond confidently and build stronger relationships.
- Working successfully with climate-invested customers
- What data do climate-invested customers need from suppliers?
- When should a supplier invest in verified emissions data?
Helping suppliers understand, respond to, and succeed in a low-emissions economy.