Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero- The Scope 3 Forum

Hosted by Scott Birch, Chief Content Officer, BizClik, Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero brought three influential leaders in sustainability and ESG together to discuss Scope 3 emissions.

• Mark Jones, Chief Sustainability Officer at THG
• Javier López Gómez, Global Head of Corporate Sustainability at SGS
• Patrick Linighan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Clyde & Co LLP

Addressing Scope 3 emissions

The forum panellists begin by detailing the significance of Scope 3 emissions for organisations and the role that they play in gaining insights and driving meaningful sustainability strategies.

Highlighting the challenges and opportunities in driving sustainability initiatives related to Scope 3 emissions reduction in diverse supply chains, panellists address the complexity and scalability challenges, as well as the limitations when it comes to control over Scope 3 - resulting in the need for collaborative efforts, engagement and supply chain optimisation.

“Complexity, scalability and data availability is definitely one of the challenges [...]  a second challenge is obviously the limit in control,” says Javier.

Panellists also noted that, despite the push for perfect data, the reality is suppliers vary significantly when it comes to digital maturity. As such they suggested that, instead of aiming for perfection, to shift the focus to determining what is good enough to produce effective reporting. Panellists also recommend a tailored approach to suppliers including requesting reports from data-ready suppliers and re-engineering information for others, providing hands-on support for those lagging behind.

"For suppliers that don't even have Scope 1 and Scope 2, we've kind of just said to them, Look at your utility information, identify what that looks like and then let's work together on what information you can give to us,” says Mark.

Striking a balance

Encouraging suppliers to be more sustainable requires a delicate balance between collaboration and imposition. Panellists noted that, while codes of conduct and self-assessment questionnaires set standards, collaboration fosters innovation and trust, which is essential for long-term sustainability efforts.

"I think there is that balance of between using a carrot and the stick,” says Mark.

Patrick adds: “We can't wait. So we have to strike that balance to bring people on the journey."

More to come in 2024

Sustainability Magazine will be hosting a further five events in 2024, both virtual and in-person. Don’t miss out on your chance to hear from leading industry experts at:

• Sustainability LIVE Singapore
• Sustainability LIVE Dubai
• Sustainability LIVE New York
• Sustainability LIVE London
• The Global Sustainability & ESG Awards

To find out more about these events and awards, click here.

Essential diary dates – 2025

• Net Zero & Scope 3 LIVE 2025 | QEII Centre, London | 5-6 March 2025
• Sustainability Singapore Virtual Conference | 19 March 2025
• Sustainability Dubai Virtual Conference | 23 May 2025
• Sustainability LIVE Chicago and Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago | 4-5 June
• Sustainability LIVE & Sustainability Awards 2025 | BDC, London | 9-10 September 2025
• NEW | ClimateTech Magazine

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As part of this portfolio, make sure you check out Procurement Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.

Also check out our Sister Brand, Sustainability Magazine and sign up to its global conference series - Sustainability LIVE.

Scope 3 Magazine is a BizClik brand.