Becoming a sustainable business means being conscious of the need for green suppliers. Every input into your company counts. And, to meet Scope 3 requirements, you’ll need transparency and accountability from any suppliers you use. So how can you find green suppliers?
Use our sustainable business directory
We would be remiss if we didn’t point out that we have a valuable resource for you to use. Our sustainable business directory is a great way to find green suppliers. We also facilitate networking opportunities throughout the year. Our members meet and gain valuable advice from others at these sessions. Examples are discussions on packaging materials and sourcing sustainable materials.
Decide on your green criteria
Before you look for a green supplier you need to decide on your criteria. This will depend on the type of supplier you are looking to source. For example, if you are looking for a business service, you will want to look at their ESG policies. If you are looking for a clean energy supplier or installation service, look at their sustainability reports. We have links on the sustainable business directory to both.
Look at their ESG policies
Environmental and social governance policies lay out the company’s approach. The environmental factors can include energy use and waste management. The social factors include customer service agreements and fair employment practices. Governance covers factors like financial integrity and ethics.
Review their sustainability reports
Sustainability reports will show the company’s targets for net zero, carbon emissions and sustainability. They’ll also outline the progress the company has already made to meet these targets and what they are planning to do next. The best sustainability reports demonstrate transparency and ethical behaviour.
Check their certifications
Certifications and credentials are useful tools to use when you are identifying a green supplier.
Examples of certifications are:
- The Carbon Trust Zero Waste to Landfill standard is awarded to companies that demonstrate responsible waste management
- FSC certified to show that any wood has been sourced from environmentally responsible forestry
- EPC ratings indicate how buildings and estates are managed
- Soil Association Organic certification to demonstrate organic farming practices
- Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) show that electricity has been generated from renewable sources
- ISO 9001 certification demonstrates quality assurance
- Fair Trade is a supply chain certification to demonstrate fair prices and conduct in sourcing goods
- To avoid greenwashing, the FCA require finance companies to meet sustainability disclosure requirements. Then they can use sustainability terms.
Use sustainable investment platforms
Sustainable investment platforms research the companies that are added to their ESG portfolios. This can be useful information as they have done some of the work for you by identifying green suppliers.
Finding green suppliers requires some legwork. First, to assess what the criteria are and then whether a company meets them before approaching them to discuss business. Independent certifications can help to demonstrate that a supplier is ethical and sustainable or is working towards improvement.
The bluepatch sustainable business directory is a useful resource if you are looking for green suppliers for your business. Businesses in the directory add links to their ESG policies and sustainability reports. These can make it easier and quicker for you to find out more about them.
