Why Scope 3 sits at the heart of v2
SBTi v2 shifts the standard from ambition to implementation. For most Category A companies that translates into stronger expectations on Scope 3 coverage, supplier specific data where it exists, and evidence that holds up under assurance.
The Scope 3 categories that matter most are the ones that dominate your footprint. That is usually Category 1 (Purchased goods and services) and Category 2 (Capital goods), with Use of sold products, Business travel and Employee commute close behind depending on the business.
From spreadsheets to verified supplier data
Old way
Annual supplier surveys, scattered PDFs, spend based averages and audit ping pong.
New way
Verified supplier emissions in one place, public disclosures pulled in first, supplier asks reserved for the gaps that move the answer.
A four step sequence that works
- Map the footprint. Identify the Scope 3 categories that account for the majority of your emissions and the suppliers behind them.
- Pull what is public. Use existing supplier disclosures, CDP responses and assurance statements before sending a single survey.
- Engage for the gaps. Ask suppliers only for the data that materially changes the answer, with light templates and clear deadlines.
- Package the evidence. Keep provenance, version history and method notes alongside every number, ready for assurance and reporting.
Frequently asked questions
What does SBTi v2 expect for Scope 3?+
SBTi v2 focuses on the Scope 3 categories that materially shape your footprint, with stronger expectations on supplier specific data, traceable evidence and a credible reduction pathway. The Impact Checker scores your Scope 3 supplier data readiness and shows where to focus first.
Which Scope 3 categories matter most?+
For most Category A companies, Category 1 (Purchased goods and services) and Category 2 (Capital goods) dominate. Use of sold products and business travel can also be significant depending on the business model. The diagnostic uses your category mix to prioritise the action plan.
What supplier data do we actually need?+
Supplier specific emissions where they exist, with provenance and assurance signals. Where supplier data is missing, fill with verified secondary data and a documented method. The aim is decision useful coverage rather than a perfect dataset on day one.
How do we get suppliers to share data without survey fatigue?+
Use disclosures and public data first, then engage suppliers for the gaps that matter. Smaller, smarter asks tied to live procurement decisions usually beat broad questionnaires.
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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