Managing Emissions in the Supply Chain - Business in the Community

Managing Emissions in the Supply Chain

Explore managing emissions in the supply chain. Learn how to engage suppliers and turn emissions data into actionable insights.

Managing Emissions in the Supply Chain


For many businesses, supply chain emissions are significantly larger than their direct operational emissions, yet they remain difficult to measure, manage, and reduce. This guide helps procurement and sustainability colleagues understand where supply chain emissions are generated, how to engage suppliers effectively, and how to turn emissions data into practical action. It is designed to support businesses at different stages of maturity, from initial scope 3 screening through to supplier engagement, innovation, incentives and collaborative decarbonisation.

This guide is structured around three building blocks for supply chain decarbonisation: 

  • Environmental benefits, for example, through reducing carbon emissions and waste. 
  • Financial and commercial benefits, including reducing purchasing costs and avoiding unnecessary procurement costs and time. 
  • Social benefits, such as supporting sectors often led by small businesses or third sector organisations. It could also mean tackling barriers to employment through skills development and employment of traditionally marginalised people. 

Further resources


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