Value chain engagement helps companies achieve net zero
What value chain engagement is and why it’s crucial for meeting climate targets.
For many companies, the majority of their emissions come from value chain scope 3 sources, which include both upstream emissions from the supply chain as well as downstream emissions from product use and disposal.
To reduce emissions and reach net zero, companies must engage their value chains.
At Normative, we work with companies to reduce their carbon footprints, with a special emphasis on value chain emissions. And in our work, we see that many companies want to act but don’t know where to start.
Carbon reduction begins with accurate calculation
The first step to reduction is to measure your value chain emissions. Once you have identified your hotspots, you can devise a strategy for engagement and prioritization.
Value chain engagement can take many forms: engaging your suppliers to gain a better understanding of carbon sources, switching to low-carbon financial investments, decarbonizing your product and service design, or implementing circular economy principles.
Reducing supply chain emissions has knock-on effects
For many companies, suppliers account for a large share of value chain emissions. By engaging and inspiring suppliers to reduce emissions, you will have a positive impact on your own carbon footprint as well.
There are no shortcuts to net zero. Businesses need to calculate and reduce their emissions in order to be compliant with legislation and have the competitive advantage a sustainable business model creates. Without proper accounting, you may only be addressing part of your carbon footprint – and could potentially face accusations of greenwashing.
We know that value chain engagement can be difficult at first. The good news is that a little bit of strategic focus and target-setting goes a long way – jump-starting your net-zero journey and bringing in new business opportunities.
Engaging your value chain in carbon reduction: a practical guide
Our comprehensive free guide clarifies the path forward for companies that want to begin value chain engagement.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about value chain engagement.
The value chain encompasses the supply chain, including both upstream suppliers as well as downstream activities like product use and disposal.
Value chain engagement is when businesses work with their suppliers (and other sources of value chain emissions) to collect data on carbon emissions and to support decarbonization initiatives.
For many companies, the value chain accounts for a large share emissions. By working to reduce value chain emissions, businesses reduce their own carbon footprint – and the carbon footprint of every other business that shares value chain activities with them.
