Executive summary
In a world increasingly grappling with the
consequences of climate change, the imperative
to reduce carbon emissions has never been
more pronounced. The nexus of business and
environmental responsibility, particularly in
the context of supply chains, forms a critical
battleground in the fight against climate change.
This report by the World Economic Forum, Kearney
and Observer Research Foundation represents a
pioneering and comprehensive effort to guide Indian
businesses, policy-makers and stakeholders in the
ambitious journey to reduce Scope 3 emissions
– a category of emissions that has often eluded
concerted action.
The playbook is anchored in the belief that, in a
rapidly developing country like India, businesses
have the power to be the architects of both
economic growth and environmental transformation.
Indian companies face a range of challenges in
their Scope 3 decarbonization agenda, including
the preponderance of small and medium-sized
suppliers who lack awareness of the topic; the
lack of proper data management systems; and the
relatively nascent maturity of the Scope 3 concept
in the country.
The framework laid out in this report is designed to
empower Indian companies to understand, quantify
and reduce their Scope 3 emissions in a structured
and strategic manner. This playbook is based
on the principles of sustainability, environmental
responsibility and ethical procurement practices,
and is tailored to India’s unique context.
The framework includes the following five steps:
1. Create a Scope 3 baseline and develop a
data strategy: A solid, comprehensive baseline
forms the foundation for the Scope 3 journey.
Businesses must understand the sources
and categories of emissions across the value
chain. Simultaneously, they must develop a
robust data strategy that outlines how data on
Scope 3 emissions will be collected, measured
and reported. Accurate data is the bedrock of
informed decision-making.
2. Set science-based and business targets:
Businesses must establish clear and ambitious
emissions reduction targets and align them with
global climate goals and their own sustainability
goals. A balance between science-based goals
and those that make business sense is essential
to drive commitment and ensure long-term
compliance.
3. Develop an upstream/downstream carbon
reduction strategy: Businesses must identify
strategic, high-priority areas for emissions
reduction within the supply chain. This entails
collaboration with supply chain partners to
align efforts, promote sustainable practices and
minimize emissions collectively.
4. Define organizational enablers: To ensure
successful implementation, businesses
must identify and put in place the necessary
enablers – governance, technology,
communication, talent management, and
policies and processes.
5. Build a roadmap and a business case: Having
taken the preceding steps, businesses must
construct a clear and actionable roadmap that
outlines the steps, milestones and timelines for
achieving their Scope 3 emissions reduction
targets. Along with the roadmap, they must craft
a compelling business case that highlights the
financial, environmental and reputational benefits
of pursuing Scope 3 emissions reduction.
The journey to decarbonize supply chains is not
a solitary one. It requires the collaboration of
businesses, governments, non-governmental
organizations and the broader community. In
particular, the government can play a pivotal role
in driving Scope 3 emissions reduction by laying
out a clear policy and regulatory framework, driving
public awareness, offering financial incentives/
support to emissions reduction projects, driving
public procurement leadership, supporting research
and development (R&D), enabling collaboration
and partnerships, supporting capacity building
and knowledge transfer, ensuring long-term policy
certainty and ensuring global commitment and
support to the Scope 3 agenda.
The Scope 3 emissions reduction journey holds
the promise of not only reducing carbon emissions
but also ushering in a future where business
prosperity and environmental stewardship are
mutually reinforcing. Together, Indian businesses
can decarbonize supply chains and help build a
sustainable, resilient and thriving future for India and
the world.
Decarbonizing Supply Chains: A Scope 3 Playbook for India 4