ECOVADIS | BCG
“ Supplier engagement isn’ t a tickbox exercise. It’ s a strategic partnership that transforms both sides”
Diana Dimitrova, Managing Director and Partner, BCG
Engaging the supply chain for real impact The Carbon Action Report highlights that those companies which engage directly with their suppliers are nine times more likely to meet Scope 3 targets – yet supplier engagement remains low.
According to Dexter, the first step is surprisingly simple.“ Ask the question,” he says.“ If your biggest customer demands emission data, that’ s motivation enough to act.”
From there, meaningful engagement requires structure. Establishing sciencebased targets( SBTs) helps companies clarify their expectations and timelines for suppliers. Nearly 9,000 companies have now joined the Science-Based Targets initiative, creating a network effect of cascading accountability.
To sustain progress, Dexter recommends internal investment.“ You need teams in place,” he says.“ You need people managing data, supporting suppliers and ensuring resources match ambition.”
Pierre-François explains that the most effective multinationals embed climate criteria into procurement.“ They treat sustainability like quality,” he says.“ Preferred suppliers must have strong ESG ratings or SBT-aligned goals. Every tender now includes a sustainability weighting.”
The approach proves powerful. When a supplier loses a major contract on sustainability grounds, it often triggers rapid organisational change.“ They’ ll go straight to their CEO and say,
ecovadis. com 11