What are supply chain emissions?
Supply chain emissions (also known as Scope 3 emissions) are greenhouse gases released by your suppliers and partners in delivering products or services to your organisation. This includes:
Raw material extraction and processing
Manufacturing of purchased goods
Supplier transportation
Packaging production
Contractor activities
Why are they important?
These emissions typically account for the majority of an SME's total carbon footprint, often representing 70-80% of total emissions. Managing them is crucial for meaningful environmental impact reduction and meeting customer and regulatory requirements.
How can I input this into Zellar?
If you have completed mission 1 & 2, you should be able to visit the emissions page which will allow you to add more data. Select the year you have calculated this for and enter the final figure '1. Purchased goods and services' section on the dropdown.
What next?
Here are a few ideas on what you can do next - all of these actions can be found under projects.
Engage with key suppliers on their emissions
Set supplier environmental standards
Choose local suppliers where possible
Implement green purchasing policies
Review packaging specifications
Collaborate with suppliers on emission reduction projects
Consider switching to lower-carbon alternatives
Regular supplier environmental performance reviews
Zellar does offer a supply chain programme to support businesses in collecting information and encouraging more action around their suppliers. If you'd like to learn more, please contact us.