{"id":1782,"date":"2021-12-09T12:00:46","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T11:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecochain.com\/blogs\/how-to-collect-primary-ghg-data-from-suppliers\/"},"modified":"2025-03-12T02:51:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T02:51:42","slug":"how-to-collect-primary-ghg-data-from-suppliers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecochain.com\/de\/blog\/how-to-collect-primary-ghg-data-from-suppliers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Collect Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Data from Suppliers"},"content":{"rendered":"

We always talk about why<\/strong> you should engage your suppliers in your emission reduction efforts. <\/span>But how do you <\/span>actually retrieve the primary environmental data<\/b> you need from them?<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive into it.<\/span><\/p>\n

GHG Protocol reporting in the EU\u2019s new CSRD\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The EU\u2019s new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will affect <\/span>more than 50.000 large companies<\/b> in Europe from 2025 onwards<\/a>. And will- almost certainly- require reporting according to the <\/span>Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The CSRD highlights the importance of measuring the GHG emissions of a company\u2019s <\/span>complete value chain<\/span> (upstream + downstream). As this is where up to 80% (!!) of a company\u2019s footprint can lie<\/span>. <\/b><\/p>\n

These kinds of emissions are also called <\/span>scope 3 emissions<\/b><\/a>, in GHG Protocol terms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scope 3 category: Purchased goods & services<\/strong><\/h3>\n

To make sure your scope 3 emissions are as accurate and representable as possible. You will also need primary GHG data from your suppliers (upstream).<\/span><\/p>\n

The GHG Protocol<\/a> divides scope 3 emissions into <\/span>different categories<\/span><\/a>\u2013 covering various upstream and downstream emissions (e.g. use of products by consumers). Here, primary GHG data from your suppliers falls under <\/span>scope 3, category \u2018purchased goods & services\u2019.<\/b> Which is the scope we cover in this guide. <\/span><\/p>\n

Collecting GHG Data From Your Suppliers: Two Phases<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As the GHG Protocol describes, the supplier data collection can be divided into two phases. An internal planning phase and an execution phase. A quick summary:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

1. Internal planning phase:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Collecting primary data from your suppliers can be\u2026quite a project. It requires a clear strategy and planning. Think of; ranking suppliers, assigning internal responsibilities, and <\/span>how<\/b> to collect the data.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

2. Execution phase:<\/b><\/p>\n

This is where you announce the program to your supply chain and start the data collection process. This means; training your suppliers and monitoring their progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s go through these phases step-by-step. <\/b><\/p>\n

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Phase 1. Internal preparation prior to supplier GHG data collection<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. Rank suppliers according to high impact expectancy<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Many companies have a LOT of suppliers. And some of these suppliers play a larger role in your supply chain processes. Either because of the impact-heavy materials used in their products and services, high sales numbers, transport distances, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These suppliers <\/span>form the biggest risk<\/b> to your environmental footprint and therefore, the <\/span>highest potential<\/b> for emission reduction. Your efforts should ALWAYS be focused on them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Start with measuring your <\/span>company\u2019s baseline GHG performance<\/span>. This is done through measuring your company footprint\u2013 which also includes 16+ other environmental impact outcomes<\/a>. Your baseline, will show the initial overview and size of your scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Ensuring you don\u2019t base your process on loose assumptions.<\/span> Collect the following information of these high-impact suppliers:<\/span><\/p>\n