This database contains case studies searchable according to the types of activities buyers are undertaking to motivate suppliers, target sector, organization leading the initiative, and program or partnership linkages. Start browsing the database to find out how large corporates such as General Electric, BASF, or IKEA are partnering with their suppliers to improve energy productivity.
Search through the case studies by using the filters below according to category (i.e. activity type, such as audits or purchasing approaches), the organisation leading the initiative, supply chain sectors targets and linkages to any programs or partnerships (e.g. the Value Chain Scope 3 standard). You can also scroll down to see the entire collection of supply chain case studies.
The Suzhou Energy Efficiency Star program rates participating companies on energy efficiency, and provides training and support to increase efficiency.
British Gypsum has undertaken a Responsible Sourcing Strategy that involves scoring its top 100 suppliers against a range of sustainability criteria including energy performance, requiring suppliers to achieve a rating of 'C' or above. Companies that do not meet the minimum requirements must undertake a program of improvement in collaboration with British Gypsum in order to remain a supplier.
The CO2 Performance Ladder is a procurement tool whereby participating suppliers obtain external verification of their carbon management approach, scored on a 1-5 scale against a number of set criteria. A score of 5 is awarded an advantage equivalent to a 10% discount on the price of their bid in the tender evaluation process. Lesser scores receive smaller virtual discounts.
BASF participates in the China Business Council for Sustainable Development (CBCSD) "1+3 Corporate Social Responsibility Project", a capacity building initiative with selected suppliers in China. It has also implemented the scope 3 Value Chain greenhouse gas accounting standard under the Carbon Disclosure Project Supply Chain Programme [*1], and implemented 'Responsible Care' guidelines with suppliers.
General Electric outlines its expectations of supplier performance within its "Integrity Program" and conducts onsite audits for all suppliers to identify points for improving environmental and energy performance. To help suppliers meet the Integrity Program requirements, it provides capacity building in its suppliers' factories, delivers local training programs and hosts supplier summits. GE also encourages suppliers to underake "Treasure Hunts" within their factories.
SKF requests that its most energy-intensive suppliers to report their carbon emissions to SKF, asks that all suppliers implement the enviornmental management systems (EMS) standard ISO 140001 and promotes energy performance excellence through the Energy Challenge and Excellence Awards. SKF also treats favourably machinery suppliers that submit details on the energy efficiency features of their products that will support SKF in meeting its annual 5% carbon reduction target.
Walmart has implemented several initiatives to reduce supply chain GHG emissions. These include the Sustainability Index, which aims to reward suppliers who demonstrate leadership in sustainability. The Supplier Energy Efficiency Program (US-based) and Supplier GHG Innovation Program (China-based) are both collaborative programs that involve on-site assessments to identify and implement energy saving opportunities within supplier factories.
The IKEA Way (IWAY) is a code of conduct for IKEA's suppliers that outlines a range of sustainability issues that suppliers are asked to adhere to. Suppliers must agree to certain KPIs as part of the IWAY code. To monitor suppliers, IKEA regularly carries out an on-site audit of its suppliers. This involves talking to employees and inspecting documents and records IKEA has also implemented awards for IKEA have also implemented awards and KPIs for its suppliers.
The Home Depot has partnered with a sustainability consulting company Intertek and participates in Intertek's Think Green Initiative (TGI). Under the TGI, Intertek helps the Home Depot's suppliers to identify and implement energy saving measures and provides onsite assessments of supplier performance.
Through its "Aligned Business Framework", Ford works with suppliers to establish targets and processes in line with Ford's own environmental and energy commitments. Ford has piloted the collection and reporting of data with key suppliers, known as the Supplier Greenhouse Gas Survey Program, and has played a leading role in sector initiatives to introduce carbon reporting such as Carbon Disclosure Project, the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), and introduction of the Scope 3 Value Chain Standard.
