释放ESG合作的全部潜力

INTRODUCTION In deeply interconnected value chains, addressingEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)challenges requires joint efforts between actors.Companies across industries face commonsustainability-related issues such as limited in depthsupply chain transparency and increasing regulatoryrequirements, making it essential to collaboratewith peers rather than work in isolation. By poolingresources and expertise, businesses can focus onstrategically addressing ESG priorities rather than becoming bogged down by compliance-relatedadministrative work, driving meaningful changeandinnovation. Through ecosystems, organizations can leveragecollective knowledge, share quantitative data, andbuild resilient supply chains.This paper exploreshow businesses can accelerate change externallyby leveraging different types of ecosystems. IMPACT ACT Champion changeinternallyacross allbusiness functionsand initiatives Convert ESG-relatedcompany ambitions intoprocurement objectives Explicitly state yourgoalsand pledgeto suppliers Build arobust baseline Accelerate changeexternallythroughthe entire ecosystem Team up with partnersto share ESG-relatedbest practices OPERATE Embed ESG inprocurement dataand digital assetstrategy ReinventprocurementperformancemonitoringtowardsESG-adjusted TCO1and EP&L2 Upskill teamsto better engagesuppliers Embedsustainabilityin core procurementprocesses ECOSYSTEMS HELP COMPANIES EFFICIENTLY ADDRESSa broad range of value chain-relatedissues On the path to sustainability, businesses face complex ESG challenges that demand collectivesolutions. Four typical challenges can significantly benefit from an ecosystem’s coordination,resources andknowledge. Reporting challenges Though these regulations have been recently tameddown or postponed, on the long run they are gainingtraction across the western world. Addressing themrequires either a compliance-driven “tick-the-box”approach (which often proves burdensomeandadds little value), or a more strategic stance. In thelatter case, intra-industry coordination canbegame-changing. This is the most visible issue and a key expectationfrom stakeholders — whether shareholders,employees, clients, NGOs, standard-setters, or civilsociety atlarge. We’ve seen a growing number of sustainability-focusedregulations in Europe that pose serious challengesto traditional procurement organizations — whichhave typically focused on cost performance andrisk management rather than Tier-N supply chaintransparency orsustainability. Forward-looking business trendsand regulatory challenges The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive(CSRD) and the more recent Corporate SustainabilityDue Diligence Directive (CS3D) and two sides of asame coin. Both aim to compel companies to developmuch more advanced scrutiny over their entire valuechain — from Tier 1 to Tier N suppliers — and to reportcomprehensively across the entire ESG spectrum,including Scope 3 emissions and socialindicators. Navigating the evolving ESG landscape demandsa proactive and collaborative approach. Stayinginformed and influencing regulatory developmentsis vital for compliance and risk mitigation. Ensuringthat supply chain partners uphold ESG standardsfurther reduces legal risks and fosters a culture ofaccountability and bestpractice. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM),also from the EU, places even more direct pressureon supply chains and financials than the CSRD orCS3D. By applying carbon-related custom dutiesto imports, similar to those imposed onto EUproduction for a range of products such as steel orchemicals, it effectively cancels out the competitiveadvantage of low-cost sourcing countries, forcingcompanies to rethink their value chains. Here again,sector-wide coordination offers clearbenefits. reporting strengthen trust with investors and otherstakeholders who prioritize responsible practices.A collaborative approach helps elevate the entireindustry’sreputation. Innovation andefficiency Embracing sustainable practices can also lead toincreased competitiveness. While sustainability-driveninnovation may come with upfront costs, companiesoften achieve operational efficiencies and long-termsavings by collaborating on supplier engagementand compliance (see below). Demonstrating ESGleadership also supports differentiation and customerloyalty. By tackling these challenges collectively,companies move beyond compliance to driveindustry-widetransformation. Reputational risk and stakeholder trust Participation in ESG ecosystems can significantlyenhance a company’s brand and stakeholdersrelationships. Adhering to ESG standards reducesthe risk of negative publicity or consumer backlash.Improved transparency and standardized COMPANIES CAN ENGAGE WITH TWO TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMSeach offering distinct benefits andlimitations There are two typical types of ESG-related ecosystems: those focused on a specific industryor product category (“vertical”), and those tackling a specific ESG issue