From Climate Targets to Scope 3 Action Group

The following article shares insights and key benefits from the Scope 3 Action Group and how YOU CAN APPLY FOR COHORT #4, starting in March 2025.

As we enter the most critical decade for climate action, the impacts of climate change are felt worldwide. Alongside tangible climate risks affecting supply chains, indirect transitional risks are impacting financial markets, putting unprecedented pressure on companies to act. Rising regulations and scrutiny on supply chain emissions have elevated climate management to the C-suite, making proactive Scope 3 action essential.

Leading companies are adapting to a low-carbon economy, prioritizing transparency, trust, and collaboration with suppliers to reduce emissions. Drivers like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) push businesses to report climate targets, disclose Scope 3 emissions, and demonstrate actionable climate transition plans aligned with the 1.5°C target.

The increasing focus on Scope 3 actions—setting specific targets, measuring supplier climate maturity, engaging suppliers for decarbonization, and tracking results—calls for practical solutions. The Scope 3 Action Group (founded in 2023, with over 30 companies) offers a four-month collaborative program to accelerate supply chain decarbonization through peer exchanges, expert insights, and structured roadmaps. It equips sustainability and procurement professionals with the tools to tackle the Scope 3 challenge and drive meaningful climate action.

The Scope 3 Challenge: Navigating the Black Box

Scope 3 emissions refer to indirect emissions in a company’s value chain, often accounting for over 80% of total emissions. These include upstream and downstream emissions from suppliers, customers, and partners. Tracking and reducing Scope 3 emissions requires collaboration across a large and diverse network, which can be challenging due to limited visibility, lack of supplier data, and inconsistent processes.

The Scope 3 Action Group provides the structure needed to address these challenges, focusing on climate management, supplier engagement, data collection, and cross-functional roadmapping.

Scope 3 Action Group: Accelerate Your Climate Journey

The four-month program features three key modules that guide participants through the decarbonization journey:

Climate Management: Develop robust climate strategies, set measurable goals, and align internal processes to drive emissions reductions.
Supplier Engagement: Build relationships with suppliers, track their climate maturity, and encourage collaboration on emission reductions.
Scope 3 Roadmapping: Use the ‘Scope 3 Masterplan’ to create customized roadmaps for supply chain decarbonization, laying out practical steps for the next 12 months.

The program blends learning, peer collaboration, and implementation—supported by the Climate Intelligence Platform, which helps track progress and evaluate supplier performance.

Essential Partners: Driving Supply Chain Decarbonization Together with Suppliers

Suppliers play a critical role in Scope 3 decarbonization. Many companies struggle to engage suppliers due to the complexity of tracking data, managing relationships, and aligning supplier climate commitments.

Wolfram Nimmerichter, CSR Manager at Sport-Thieme, shared:

"With 19,000 products sourced from various suppliers, the supply chain is crucial for climate action. The quick climate readiness check with 80% of our suppliers during the Scope 3 Action Group program helped us focus on the most impactful areas for emissions reduction."

For Annika Ossenkopf, Senior Expert ESG & Sustainability at Asklepios Kliniken, the key was supplier benchmarking:

"With a 57% response rate from our suppliers, we made an important first step in understanding and benchmarking their climate performance. This yielded actionable insights for both supplier incentivization and internal collaboration."

Collaboration Is Key: Learning from Diverse Perspectives

While data collection is crucial, another strength of the Scope 3 Action Group is its focus on collaboration. Participants from diverse industries—including automotive, manufacturing, building, food, healthcare, and digital services—share challenges and successes, learning from one another. Companies like Continental, Naturenergie, Vilsa, Zentis, and Primavera are among the participants.

Tabea Münch, CSR Manager at Atruvia, emphasized: "The Scope 3 Action Group gave us a unique opportunity to exchange ideas on Scope 3 and climate management with like-minded people."

Practical Learnings: Overcoming the Scope 3 Black Box

Participants gain practical insights into overcoming Scope 3 complexities. The program provides clear guidance on collecting and evaluating supplier data.

Michelle Moyzes, Sustainability Manager at Naturenergie, noted:

"Thank you for the guidance, support, and vision. The roadmap is finished and ready for implementation!"

The iterative process of data collection, supplier engagement, and evaluation is critical for long-term success. Companies are encouraged to maintain ongoing dialogue with suppliers, co-developing solutions toward a shared net-zero target.

Key Benefits of the Scope 3 Action Group

Participants gain practical benefits, including:

Peer Collaboration and Learning: Cross-industry exchanges foster shared learning and growth.
Internal Alignment: The program encourages collaboration between sustainability, procurement, and management teams.
Scalable Supplier Engagement: Companies develop strategies for engaging large supplier bases, focusing on high-impact areas.
Access to Climate Data: The Climate Intelligence Platform provides audit-ready data to track supplier performance.
Tailored Decarbonization Roadmaps: By program’s end, participants have a customized Scope 3 strategy aligned with their climate goals.

Waiting List Open: Apply Now to Join Scope 3 Action Group 2025

For companies committed to net-zero emissions, the Scope 3 Action Group offers a structured, collaborative approach to addressing the toughest part of their carbon footprint. Leveraging expert insights, peer support, and practical tools, participants can turn climate goals into actionable outcomes. Whether you're just starting your Scope 3 journey or refining existing strategies, the Scope 3 Action Group provides the guidance and network needed to accelerate your actions.

Take the next step by joining Cohort #4, starting in March 2025!

Collaborate with industry leaders, gain expert insights, and accelerate your supply chain's progress toward net zero. Secure your spot on the waiting list and apply by the end of 2024 to receive a 15% discount. Don’t miss this chance to drive real results in Scope 3 Action.

Join us today in decarbonizing supply chains!