As more organisations measure, manage and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, suppliers are increasingly being asked questions about sustainability, emissions data and climate action.
For some suppliers, these requests can feel unfamiliar or burdensome. Why does a customer want information about electricity use, fuel consumption, packaging or freight? And what should you do if you don't have all the answers?
The good news is that most businesses that are investing in lowering emissions aren't expecting perfection. They're looking for transparency, cooperation and a willingness to improve over time.
Why customers are asking more climate questions
Many organisations now measure emissions not only from their own operations, but across their value chain. These indirect emissions, often referred to as supply chain emissions, can represent a significant proportion of a business's overall profile.
To understand and reduce these emissions, organisations need information from the businesses they buy goods and services from.
This means suppliers are increasingly being asked to provide information on their organisational and product-related emissions, along with the actions they are taking to reduce them, including emissions reduction targets and initiatives.
For suppliers, these requests are becoming a normal part of doing business.
What are supply chain emissions?
Supply chain emissions are the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the products and services a business purchases.
For example:
- A manufacturer may need emissions information from its raw material suppliers.
- A retailer may seek information from transport providers.
- A professional services company may request emissions data from technology vendors or facilities providers.
When suppliers can provide reliable information, it helps customers better understand where emissions occur and where opportunities for reduction exist.
What climate-invested customers value
While every organisation's requirements differ, most value suppliers who are:
TRANSPARENT
It's okay if your data isn't perfect. Being clear about assumptions, estimates and limitations is often more valuable than overstating accuracy.
RESPONSIVE
Timely responses help customers meet reporting deadlines and maintain accurate emissions inventories.
CONSISTENT
Providing information using the same methodology year after year makes trends easier to understand.
IMPROVING
Customers recognise that emissions management is a journey. Businesses that demonstrate progress often stand out.
What's in it for suppliers?
Responding to requests for emissions information can also create tangible benefits for your own business.
Understanding and managing emissions can help identify inefficiencies, reduce costs, strengthen resilience, and improve your ability to meet evolving customer and regulatory expectations. It can also help safeguard access to supply chains where emissions reporting is becoming a standard business requirement.
The business case for acting early is strong. Research shows that early investment in supply chain resilience can cost three times less than responding after disruptions occur. For a deeper look at the value of supplier emissions data, read Why supplier-specific emissions data is a strategic asset.
Five ways to be a stronger supplier
- Understand why emissions information is being requested.
- Respond openly and honestly.
- Keep records of relevant operational data.
- Begin measuring your own emissions where practical.
- Share any reduction initiatives or targets you have in place.
Measuring emissions is an important first step, but doing so credibly to ISO standards can be complex. Toitū Envirocare’s emissions measurement and certification programmes provide a practical, guided approach to understanding emissions, identifying opportunities for reduction, and building the data needed to meet growing customer and supply chain expectations.
The bottom line
Low-emissions businesses are increasingly looking beyond price and quality alone. Providing credible emissions data and demonstrating a commitment to improvement makes you a better business partner, strengthens customer trust, and protects access to increasingly demanding markets. Plus, there’s a strong business case for acting early.
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.