In December 2024, Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions assembled 131 suppliers for the 3rd edition of the “Supplier Green Deal”. It was an opportunity to review the progress made over the past year and the expectations of the business towards its partners, to reduce its scope 3 emissions by a minimum of 16% in absolute value in 2030 vs. 2017.
For the third year running, Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions invited its main suppliers to the Supplier Green Deal, an event dedicated to reducing its Scope 3 emissions. In 2022, the first Supplier Green Deal was an opportunity to share the sustainable ambition; the second, in 2023, has been an opportunity to educate on scopes 1 and 2; and in 2024, concrete proof will be required for products purchased by the business.
To achieve the objectives of the Group and those set by its own Sustainability Roadmap, Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions is proactively engaging in numerous actions on Scopes 1 and 2, which have been shared with suppliers. It has consistently reduced its CO2 emissions by 8% a year since 2017, its water consumption by 10% and its waste consumption by 6%. These efforts strengthen ties with its customers, who are increasingly demanding decarbonized solutions.
Suppliers take the floor
Three suppliers spoke at the event about their interest in the Supplier Green Deal. Wouter Hut, Executive Vice-President for Pricing, Procurement and Sustainability at Ahlstrom said: “We fully share ambition and aspirations of Saint-Gobain. [The Supplier Green Deal] should actually accelerate the impact that all of us can make wherever we sit in the value chain”. As far as she’s concerned, Amber D. Wellman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Chemours added, “There’s a lot of synergies between the Supplier Green Deal and our goals!” Finally, Houjue LYU, Assistant to CEO at Yongguan Group, stated: “The Supplier Green Deal offers our group a very clear approach to sustainability. It definitely motivates suppliers like us, and we want to recognize the importance of the collaborative efforts in driving the environmental responsibilities.”
Clear expectations of suppliers
During their presentations, the Supplier Green Deal speakers shared their expectations of suppliers. In addition to calculating their emissions (scopes 1 and 2) and defining a concrete roadmap to 2030, they are asked to reduce their emissions by a minimum of 8% per year. They are asked to cascade these expectations to their own suppliers, and to share with Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions teams at least 2 documents (LCA, EPD, FDES, PCF*) by 2025 concerning solutions purchased from them. They must also carry out Ecovadis assessments, make SBTI commitments and provide proof of them. Finally, Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions is obviously interested in all decarbonated innovations to complement or replace current purchases.
The objective of the business is clear: to reduce its Scope 3 emissions by at least 16% in 2030 vs. 2017. To support its suppliers, Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions provides expertise, discussion forums and a toolbox to guide them step by step. This includes training, calculation tools and resources to build a solid decarbonization plan certified by third-party organizations.
To keep ahead of the game and achieve its objectives, Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions makes its suppliers its best allies, and more and more of them are getting involved. A necessary alliance for the decarbonization of many industries!
*LCA, EPD, FDES, PCF: Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Product Declaration, Fiche de Déclaration Environnementale et Sanitaire, and Product Carbon Footprint.