.jpg)
Every first Wednesday of the month, Plan A hosts Voices of Sustainability, a community round tablefor sustainability and finance managers. This is not a typical webinar. It's a framed debate conversation between sustainability professionals who understand the real challenges reality poses. With limited seating, we create a closed environment for candid discussions about what actually works in corporate decarbonisation. The event is governed by the Chatham House Rules. This is an actionable recap of the conversation and a share of the most useful parts of our discussion.
In a few words,
This session explored the complex challenge of measuring and managing Scope 3 emissions, particularly within global supply chains. Supply chain emissions typically make up the majority of a company’s footprint, yet collecting accurate data remains difficult due to fragmented systems, supplier maturity gaps, and varying methodologies. The priority is striking a balance between granularity and feasibility, starting with directional insights and maturing data collection over time.
On engagement: Smaller suppliers often lack sustainability teams, while larger ones may not prioritise individual requests. Building shared roadmaps, fostering partnership rather than penalty, and tiered expectations were highlighted as key strategies. Companies should focus first on gathering what’s available (often public disclosures) and only move toward product-level data and lifecycle assessments when there's a clear business need.
Technology plays a central role. Digital tools help automate collection, standardise formats, and reduce manual burden. However, successful implementation requires internal maturity, clear goals, and change management. The group agreed future advancements, especially in AI, will increasingly support SMEs and close capability gaps. Ultimately, collective action, shared incentives, and realistic pathways for suppliers are critical to achieving meaningful decarbonization.
Key Takeaways
Actionable Steps & Resources
Companies should begin their Scope 3 journey by mapping supplier maturity and setting tiered expectations, then collecting publicly available data to build a baseline. Establish a data improvement roadmap alongside decarbonization plans and adopt tools that automate and standardise calculations. For suppliers lacking capacity, provide templates, light-touch trainings, and visibility into how participation advances business opportunities. Escalate toward product-level footprints only where decisions demand it.
Invest in collaborative solutions: joint decarbonisation incentives, co-investment in renewable energy, and shared KPI pathways. Align procurement and sustainability to jointly assess risks and prioritize suppliers. Tap into external support ecosystems—local authority programs for SMEs, sustainability toolkits, financial incentives like green loans, and policy developments around COP discussions. Maintain transparency with stakeholders about maturity, constraints, and plans to progress year-over-year.
Register for Upcoming Sessions
Join future Voices of Sustainability events to continue learning from your peers, exchanging ideas, and gaining practical tools for decarbonisation and reporting.
