HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN FOR TRUE SUSTAINABILITY

Fewer than half of organizations believe they’re on par or ahead of their peers in achieving their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.1 If you’ve been hearing a lot about climate impact reports; diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; and data privacy policies, you’re not alone. 


While focusing on sustainability internally is a good start, it doesn’t encapsulate the entire reach of your organization’s carbon footprint. To measure true environmental impact, look to where it’s estimated a majority of that is—your supply chain partners.2

SO, HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?

WE’VE GOT A FEW IDEAS:

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Define

DEFINE YOUR SUSTAINABILITY GOALS AND ALIGN WITH YOUR VENDORS

– Conduct a materiality assessment to determine your priorities

 

– Find out if your vendors have identified their top priorities

 

– Select supply chain partners who have strong sustainability programs in place and capabilities to assist you with your own goals

Think of it this way: If your organization wants to reach zero carbon emissions, vendors that strengthen those efforts through their own operations can help you reach that goal.

1906

Athens (Greece)

This was a special edition of the Olympics, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the first event. Then, the games took place again in Greece, although it is not considered official by the International Olympic Committee.


The date breaks the four-year gap rule and became known as the 1906 Summer Olympics. France and the USA were the countries that most stood out in winning medals.

1916

—

A remarkable fact in the timeline of the Olympics is the year 1916, as it was the first time that the event was canceled. The reason: World War I was taking place between the great powers of the time.


The city of Berlin had been chosen by the International Olympic Committee, but the conflict prevented the program from being carried out. The same would be repeated on account of the Second World War in the years 1940 and 1944.

Sync

SYNC UP DATA EFFORTS

– Collect activity data from your organization and calculate its impact

 

– Request sustainability data from your supply chain vendors

 

– Incorporate data from your supply chain into your own reporting

It’s not enough to have similar priorities. Ask your vendors if they provide access to data that will help you stay accountable to your goals.

Step 2

—

Once again, the programming was interrupted because of the war. The Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) were warring against the Allied powers (USA, USSR, UK, and China).


The countries' focus was on the great conflict, and it would be impossible to promote a peaceful sporting event in that context. In addition, people died, and many places were destroyed. In the year 1940, the games would be held in Tokyo, and in 1944 they would take place in London.

1916

—

A remarkable fact in the timeline of the Olympics is the year 1916, as it was the first time that the event was canceled. The reason: World War I was taking place between the great powers of the time.


The city of Berlin had been chosen by the International Olympic Committee, but the conflict prevented the program from being carried out. The same would be repeated on account of the Second World War in the years 1940 and 1944.

Build

BUILD VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS TO STRENGTHEN SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

– Connect with vendors to discuss how to work together on shared goals

 

– Suggest combined ways to support each other’s efforts and reduce climate impact

 

– Reap benefits like cost reductions, business opportunities, and innovation, while promoting positive change with vendors

Through regular outreach to discuss climate initiatives, you create stronger vendor relationships and can adjust operations on either side to enhance joint efforts.

If your organization hasn’t considered the impact of your supply chain on your environmental goals, you’re not behind. While over 200 of the world’s largest public companies have committed to a Net Zero pledge, only 33% include suppliers in their reporting. By including data from your supply chain partners in your reporting, your organization will establish itself as more accountable, comprehensive, and transparent when it comes to your sustainability efforts.

1 Research by Economist Impact, sponsored by Iron Mountain, conducted in January and February 2022

2 Research by Carbon Trust