When organisations commit to net zero, one challenge dominates: Scope 3 emissions. They sit in the supply chain and usually make up the largest part of a company’s carbon footprint—often more than everything else combined.

That makes Scope 3 a procurement issue. If procurement doesn’t lead, net zero targets won’t be achieved.

What Scope 3 Really Means

• Scope 1 — direct emissions from your own operations (fuel, vehicles, onsite equipment).
• Scope 2 — indirect emissions from purchased energy (electricity, heating, cooling).
• Scope 3 — all other indirect emissions across your value chain. That includes purchased goods and services, transport, waste, business travel, and how products are used and disposed of.

In simple terms: Scope 3 = your supply chain. And it’s where most of the emissions are.

What Procurement Leaders Need to Do

1. Get the Data
   Start with your most important suppliers and categories. You don’t need perfect numbers—directional accuracy is enough to set priorities.
2. Collaborate With Stakeholders
   You can’t solve Scope 3 alone. Work with internal colleagues in finance, operations, and sustainability, and engage suppliers with a win/win attitude. Collaboration is the only way to move forward.
3. Show Suppliers the Value
   Lower-carbon operations aren’t just good for compliance. They cut costs, make suppliers more competitive, and open up new opportunities. Position this as growth, not just obligation.
4. Educate and Support
   Many suppliers don’t know where to start. Education is critical. Provide guidance, tools, and examples so they can take action.
5. Build Carbon Into Every Process
   Make emissions performance part of RFPs, contracts, and scorecards. If procurement treats carbon as core, suppliers will too.
6. Bring in External Expertise
   Independent validation and credible frameworks add structure and trust. They also reduce the burden on procurement teams and give suppliers a clear path forward.

A Note From Experience

As a former Procurement Director, I know the pressure of balancing cost, quality, and service. Adding carbon into the mix can feel like one challenge too many. But the reality is this: the supply chain is where the majority of emissions sit, and procurement is the only function with the levers to shift it.

Call to Action

Scope 3 is the biggest barrier to net zero—and the biggest opportunity for procurement leaders to add value.

Take a fresh look at your supply chain. Work with your stakeholders. Educate and support your suppliers. And put the right structure around the journey.

Net zero won’t be unlocked by ambition. It will be unlocked by procurement leaders who lead, collaborate, and act.

Krys Stanton

COO, NCZ