Why procurement is the lever
The bulk of Scope 3 sits in Category 1 (Purchased goods and services) and Category 2 (Capital goods). That is procurement territory. The teams that can bring an emissions signal into sourcing decisions, not just into year end reporting, will move the number.
From sustainability after the fact to decisions before the PO
Old way
Year end carbon reports, separate supplier surveys, sustainability and procurement working on different calendars.
New way
Supplier emissions data in the sourcing flow, prioritised supplier and action lists, simple guidance that fits the buying steps you already have.
Three plays to start with
- Prioritise the suppliers that matter. Identify the suppliers driving the largest share of your Scope 3 in the categories that count.
- Bring the signal into sourcing. Pair price and risk with verified emissions data so buyers can act while it still matters.
- Use the long tail wisely. Public disclosures first, supplier asks reserved for the gaps that move the answer.
Frequently asked questions
How does SBTi v2 affect procurement?+
Scope 3 sits inside the supply chain, so procurement becomes a primary lever. Supplier emissions data in sourcing decisions, and a sharper view of supplier sustainability performance, both become more valuable.
What is decisions before the PO?+
Bringing the emissions signal into sourcing before the award rather than after the fact. The buyer sees the carbon picture alongside price and risk, and can act while it still matters.
Which suppliers should we engage first?+
Start with the suppliers that drive the largest share of your Scope 3 in the categories that matter. The diagnostic helps prioritise based on your category mix.
What if supplier data is patchy?+
Use existing disclosures first, fill gaps with verified secondary data, and reserve direct supplier asks for the gaps that change the answer.
Free diagnostic
See how SBTi v2 affects your company
Five minutes. Four scores. A personalised action plan with owners and timing.
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