Sustainable Sourcing: A Strategy for Decarbonisation

Why sustainable sourcing matters

Procurement drives the majority of emissions. For most organisations, 70 to 90% of emissions are tied to purchased goods and services.

Cost, risk, and emissions are now intertwined. Stakeholders expect procurement to reduce climate risks, deliver transparency, and source from suppliers aligned with sustainability goals.

Sourcing decisions shape long-term impact. Choosing low-carbon suppliers and incentivising supplier action accelerates progress across the entire value chain.

Sustainable sourcing isn't just good practice-it's the most powerful lever you have to cut Scope 3 emissions.

Four steps to optimise your sustainable sourcing

1. Source with verified data

• Access supplier-specific (primary), auditable emissions profiles
• Compare suppliers on emissions intensity alongside cost, quality, and risk
• Spot high-emitting categories before contract renewal

2. Prioritise low-carbon suppliers

• Use emissions scoring to guide supplier selection
• Benchmark suppliers against peers and industry standards
• Reward suppliers who are aligned with science-based targets

3. Integrate climate into RFPs and contracts

• Add emissions performance as a standard evaluation criterion
• Track supplier climate commitments in procurement systems
• Build decarbonisation expectations directly into sourcing agreements

4. Measure and report impact

• Monitor supplier progress against emissions-reduction targets
• Capture evidence for SBTi and regulatory disclosures
• Show procurement's contribution to corporate net zero goals

Support SBTi targets with sustainable sourcing

With DitchCarbon, procurement teams can:

• Identify suppliers with or without SBTi-aligned targets
• Influence vendors during sourcing moments
• Track adoption and progress over time
• Build evidence packs for SBTi validation
• Focus collaboration where it drives the biggest reductions

Turn sourcing decisions into a measurable driver of Scope 3 decarbonisation.