Supply Chain Engagement

Why Should We Decarbonise Supply Chains for Sustainability

Published on
11 Jan 2022
Why Should We Decarbonise Supply Chains for Sustainability
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Decarbonising supply chains is paramount for sustainability. By implementing a robust carbon management solution, businesses can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a greener future. As the need for sustainable practices grows, companies are turning to carbon management software to streamline their operations and lower their carbon footprint. Embracing SaaS-powered carbon management platforms enables organisations to enhance efficiency while fulfilling their environmental responsibilities. Engaging with a reputable carbon management company can provide access to expert services that ensure effective carbon management systems are in place.

Introduction to Supply Chain Decarbonisation

Supply chain decarbonisation refers to reducing carbon emissions throughout a company's entire supply chain. This involves identifying, measuring, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions produced at each stage of the supply chain. Decarbonising supply chains is crucial in today's sustainability landscape, as companies are increasingly expected to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Businesses can effectively track and reduce their carbon footprint across their operations by implementing carbon management solutions such as software, platforms, or services.

The Environmental Imperative

Global Carbon Emissions

Supply chains play a significant role in global carbon emissions, accounting for a substantial portion of the total carbon footprint. Studies show supply chains are responsible for up to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

Reducing these emissions is crucial to meeting international climate goals such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. By implementing effective carbon management solutions, companies can mitigate their environmental impact and contribute to limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.

Benefits of Sustainable Supply Chains

Economic Advantages

Implementing carbon management solutions in supply chains offers long-term economic benefits. Organisations can achieve significant cost savings through improved energy efficiency, reducing operational expenses. Compliance with regulations becomes easier, avoiding penalties and fostering a positive reputation.

Innovation and Market Leadership

Decarbonising supply chains opens avenues for innovation and market leadership. Companies can pioneer green technologies and sustainable practices by investing in carbon management software or platforms. This aligns with environmental goals and attracts eco-conscious consumers, enhancing brand value.

Incorporating SAAS carbon footprint tools into supply chain operations drives efficiency and sustainability. Companies that embrace carbon management systems position themselves as industry leaders committed to environmental stewardship. This proactive approach mitigates risks associated with climate change and creates opportunities for growth and differentiation.

Risk Management and Resilience

Supply Chain Resilience

Decarbonised supply chains are crucial in mitigating risks associated with volatile fossil fuel prices, regulatory changes, and climate-related disruptions. By reducing reliance on traditional energy sources, companies can shield themselves from price fluctuations and policy shifts that impact operational costs. This shift also helps minimise exposure to carbon taxes and emissions regulations that may arise due to changing environmental policies.

Carbon Management Solutions

Implementing carbon management solutions is essential for enhancing supply chain resilience and adaptability. These software platforms enable companies to track, measure, and effectively reduce their carbon footprint. By leveraging carbon management systems, businesses can identify areas for improvement, streamline operations, and make informed decisions to mitigate environmental risks. These solutions provide real-time data on emissions, helping organisations proactively address sustainability challenges.

The Role of Technology in Decarbonising Supply Chains

Collaborating with Suppliers

Engaging suppliers is pivotal in addressing up to 88% of total emissions, particularly Scope 3 emissions. PlanetWise offers a unified system for simplified emissions calculation and data sharing, fostering collective planning and effective supply chain decarbonisation.

Manage Suppliers 

Effortlessly centralise supplier management through the platform. Users can create, edit, and categorise supplier profiles, track registration progress, and ensure transparency by publishing monthly data. This streamlined process enhances collaboration and accountability within the supply chain.

Connecting to Suppliers

Identify key suppliers responsible for significant emissions and seamlessly integrate them into PlanetWise's CMS. By sharing a CMS link, suppliers can easily register and engage with the platform. Automated reminders encourage timely registration completion, streamlining the onboarding process.

Suppliers Calculating Carbon and Publishing

Accurate carbon footprint calculations are essential for collaborative decarbonisation efforts. With PlanetWise CMS, suppliers can calculate their emissions upon registration, share data periodically with trading partners, set targets, manage offsets, and visualise the entire supply chain network for informed decision-making.

Analyse Suppliers Data and Collaborate with Suppliers

Monitoring top suppliers' emissions metrics and aligning their reduction targets with organisational goals is critical. The CMS tracks supplier emissions, highlights emission hotspots, facilitates collaboration for emission reductions, and ensures data accuracy through timely reminders.

Strategies for Decarbonising Your Supply Chain

Supplier Engagement

Engaging with suppliers to reduce emissions along the supply chain is crucial. Encourage them to adopt sustainable practices and monitor their progress regularly. Invest in software tools that enable real-time tracking of supplier emissions, facilitating better decision-making and identifying areas for improvement.

Science-Based Targets and Carbon Offsetting

Setting science-based targets ensures that decarbonisation efforts align with climate goals. This involves establishing clear objectives based on scientific data and benchmarks. Carbon offsetting can help compensate for unavoidable emissions by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gases elsewhere.

Utilising Carbon Management System

Implementing a Carbon Management System streamlines the process of monitoring, reporting, and reducing carbon emissions. These systems provide valuable insights into emission hotspots and opportunities for improvement.

Industry Examples and Best Practices

Manufacturing Sector

The manufacturing sector has been a frontrunner in implementing carbon management solutions. Several manufacturing sectors have adopted innovative technologies, such as AI-powered energy management systems, to reduce their carbon footprint significantly.

One key approach is the integration of renewable energy sources into production processes, leading to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging data analytics and IoT sensors, manufacturers can track energy consumption in real-time, enabling them to make informed decisions for sustainable operations.

Tech Industry

In the tech industry, giants like Google have set ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality. They use advanced carbon management software to monitor and analyse their emissions across global operations. By implementing cloud-based platforms, these companies streamline data collection and reporting processes, facilitating better transparency and accountability.

The Future of Sustainable Supply Chains

Technological Advancements

Carbon management solutions are set to evolve with innovative carbon management software and platforms integrating advanced features. These advancements will streamline carbon footprint tracking and enhance carbon management systems, making them more efficient and user-friendly.

Regulatory Changes

Future supply chains will likely witness increased regulatory frameworks addressing carbon emissions. Companies may face stricter compliance requirements, pushing them to adopt comprehensive carbon management services to meet evolving standards effectively.

Consumer Demand Shifts

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for sustainable products and services. This shift is expected to drive businesses towards implementing robust carbon management strategies, leveraging SaaS carbon footprint solutions to reduce their environmental impact while meeting consumer expectations.

Conclusion

Decarbonising your supply chain is no longer a choice but a must in a world that prioritises sustainability. Carbon management solutions like the ones offered by PlanetWise can help you minimise your environmental footprint and build your company's strength for tomorrow. The tools and policies are on hand, and it is time to implement them for a better future. 

Make the necessary changes for a more sustainable future. Start creating sustainable practices, utilising technologies, and learning from the experts now. By decarbonising, you will protect the earth for future generations and establish a competitive edge for the future.

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