Challenges collecting Primary Data
from Value Chain Partners
Large number of suppliers
- Target most relevant suppliers based on spend and/or anticipated emissions impact
- Target suppliers where the reporting company has a higher degree of influence (e.g., contract manufacturers or suppliers where the reporting company accounts for a significant share of the supplier’s total sales)
Lack of supplier knowledge and experience with GHG inventories and accounting
- Target suppliers with prior experience developing GHG inventories
- Identify the correct subject-matter expert at the company
- Explain the business value of investing in GHG accounting and management
- Request data suppliers already have collected, such as energy-use data, rather than emissions data
- Provide clear instructions and guidance with the data request
- Provide training, support, and follow-up
Lack of supplier capacity and resources for tracking data
- Make the data request as simple as possible
- Use a simple, user-friendly, standardized data template or questionnaire
- Provide a clear list of data required and where to find data (e.g., utility bills)
- Use an automated online data collection system to streamline data entry
- Consider use of a third party database to collect data
- Engage and leverage resources from suppliers’ trade associations
- Coordinate GHG data request with other requests
- Follow up with suppliers
Lack of transparency in the quality of supplier data
- Request documentation on methodology and data sources used, inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, etc.
- Minimize errors by requesting activity data (e.g., kWh electricity used, kg of fuels used) and calculating GHG emissions separately
- Consider third party assurance
Confidentiality concerns of suppliers
- Protect suppliers’ confidential and proprietary information (e.g., through nondisclosure agreements, firewalls, etc.)
- Ask suppliers to obtain third party assurance rather than submitting detailed activity data to avoid providing confidential information
Language barriers
- Translate the questionnaire and communications into local languages
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