From Zero to Data Hero: Help Suppliers Start Reporting Emissions

Scope 3.1 emissions, those linked to purchased goods and services, account for the lion’s share of most organisations’ carbon footprint. Yet, many suppliers, especially small or mid-sized ones, are starting from zero when it comes to carbon reporting. According to the CDP, only 41% of suppliers disclose any climate data, and the majority lack the infrastructure to do so effectively.

Helping your suppliers become confident carbon reporters isn’t just an ESG responsibility, it’s essential to the accuracy and credibility of your emissions data.

In this guide, we’ll show how to move suppliers from zero emissions data to becoming “data heroes,” enabling smarter, scalable Scope 3.1 reporting.

Why Supplier engagement is Crucial for Scope 3.1?

Your suppliers are the primary source of the emissions you're now being held accountable for. Without access to their actual data, you're left relying on proxies or industry-average emission factors, undermining the accuracy and credibility of your Scope 3.1 disclosures. In fact, a WEF report highlights that up to 90% of your corporate emissions could be from the supply chain. With regulatory pressures mounting, through frameworks like the EU CSRD and the SEC climate rule, transparency across the value chain is no longer optional, it's imperative. These dynamics demand a smarter, more efficient approach to Scope 3 data collection.

Let’s explore how to streamline supplier engagement and improve the efficiency and accuracy of Scope 3.1 data reporting.

A Practical Playbook for Getting Suppliers Started

It is important to understand that many suppliers may be new to carbon emissions reporting and lack the tools, knowledge, or processes to get started. Helping them transition from having zero emissions data to becoming data heroes is a critical step in building a comprehensive Scope 3.1 reporting system. Below mentioned are some best ways to help your suppliers get started.

• Offer Training and Support: Organise training sessions, webinars, or workshops that teach suppliers the basics of emissions reporting. These can cover everything from data collection methods to understanding emissions factors and using carbon calculation tools. Providing dedicated support (either through in-house teams or third-party consultants) can also help guide suppliers through the process.

• Educate and Raise Awareness: Begin by educating suppliers about the importance of emissions reporting and how it can benefit both them and your organisation. This may include highlighting the growing regulatory and consumer demand for sustainability, as well as the potential competitive advantages of having accurate emissions data.

• Provide Tools and Resources: Equip suppliers with the necessary tools to measure and track emissions. This could include recommending carbon footprint calculators, software platforms, or even partnerships with third-party providers who offer emissions measurement services. Offering access to these tools can lower the barrier to entry for suppliers and streamline the process.

• Set Realistic Expectations and Milestones: Understand that not all suppliers will be able to report emissions data immediately. Work with them to set realistic expectations and phased milestones. For example, suppliers could start by reporting only direct emissions (Scope 1) in the first year, then gradually add Scope 2 (indirect emissions from energy consumption), and eventually tackle Scope 3.

• Offer Incentives for Early Adopters: To encourage suppliers to start reporting, consider providing incentives such as recognition in sustainability reports, preferential contract terms, or access to new business opportunities. Publicly acknowledging suppliers who are early adopters of emissions reporting can motivate others to follow suit.

• Simplify Data Collection: For suppliers who are just starting out, data collection should be made as simple as possible. Encourage them to begin with basic data that is easier to track, such as energy consumption, transportation emissions, and raw material use. Over time, as they build their capabilities, they can collect more granular data.

Scaling Support Without Overload

By this stage, many companies realise that engaging suppliers one by one is not scalable, especially when sustainability teams are already stretched thin. The question becomes:

“How do we enable hundreds of suppliers to report data without overwhelming our internal teams?”

The good news: leading manufacturers are finding ways to scale support without compromising quality or burning out their teams.

Here’s what works:

• Build a supplier knowledge hub with how-to guides, templates, and FAQs.

• Use platforms like Mavarick to automate supplier onboarding, nudge reminders, and data validation.

• Offer periodic live training but record and reuse for long-tail suppliers.

• See how Mavarick's Scope 3 tools reduce supplier onboarding friction

Next Steps for Supplier-Led Carbon Reporting

Empowering suppliers to take ownership of their carbon data doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right structure, it becomes a repeatable, scalable process. After removing the initial friction, the next step is to equip suppliers with the tools and confidence to report independently.

The most effective programs strike a balance between clear guidance, smart automation, and recognition for progress.

Here’s how to get started:

• Build and share onboarding materials
  
• Use software to streamline communication and data collection
  
• Set phased milestones for beginner, intermediate, and advanced suppliers
  
• Recognise and reward early movers

Want to simplify Scope 3.1 supplier reporting? 

Conclusion

From zero to data hero isn’t just a catchy phrase, it’s the journey most suppliers must take. With the right support, your suppliers can become reliable partners in your Scope 3.1 reporting strategy.

Remember, it’s not about perfection from day one, it’s about progress. By starting simple, offering tools, and celebrating momentum, you build a supply chain that’s not only transparent but resilient.

Support your suppliers today and watch your carbon data quality soar tomorrow.

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