How Optera Helps Big-Name Businesses Cut Scope 3 Emissions

Optera, a key player in ESG initiatives and carbon management, is laser-focused on improving supply chain carbon transparency and enabling companies to meet stringent emission reporting requirements.

By using its new Supply Chain Manager platform, Dell is among numerous global corporations which stand to gain detailed emissions tracking, supporting their commitment to decarbonising supply chains.

Dell is advancing efforts to cut emissions across its supply chain with the help of Optera’s updated carbon management software.

Optera’s platform aligns global reporting standards like the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act.

The need for transparency in supply chain emissions data is crucial, especially when it comes to Scope 3 emissions produced indirectly through upstream and downstream supply chain activities.

Dell’s adoption of this technology reflects its commitment to emission reduction throughout its complex supply chain – essential for lowering its overall environmental footprint.

Optera’s role in carbon management

Established in 2006, Optera has emerged as a leader in carbon management software for ambitious climate action. 

The company focuses on emission reduction from the company to the buyer, maintaining transparency during all data analysis and logistics handling.

Optera’s software enables Dell and other multinationals to manage Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions data, providing actionable insights and forecasts that aid in reducing carbon impact throughout the supply chain.

With Optera’s platform, Dell is able to work collaboratively with supply chain and investment partners, supporting emission-reduction initiatives at every stage of production.

Optera currently tracks more than 225 million tonnes of CO2 across around 84,000 customer sites.

Its new Supply Chain Manager platform offers benefits including: 

• Faster time from onboarding to report: Access to initial supply chain emissions data in weeks for a faster start to their category 1 inventory, with automated reporting to streamline submission for the most common reporting frameworks
• Increased calculation transparency: The platform displays emissions calculations, sources and emissions factor mapping within the interface – supporting data traceability for sustainability teams, stakeholders and auditors 
• More detailed supplier data: Facility-level and business unit emissions data from suppliers, with the ability to incorporate product-level emissions insights in the near future
• Enhanced user interface: Collaboration among cross-functional teams, including company leadership and other stakeholders outside of sustainability teams.

Enhanced capabilities for supply chain management

Optera’s enhanced Supply Chain Manager platform offers Dell and other clients critical features to advance carbon management. 

With transparency a top priority, the platform allows companies to access emission calculations, data sources and emission factor mappings, improving data traceability for stakeholders, sustainability teams and auditors alike.

Tim Weiss, Co-Founder and CEO at Optera, states: "We're not just providing a tool; we're enabling a transformative approach to sustainability.

"With enhanced supplier data granularity, transparent calculations and accelerated time to insight, Optera is making it easier than ever for companies to drive climate action throughout their value chains."

Optera new platform builds on existing capabilities, integrating a database with emissions data from more than 10,000 companies. 

Its updated upstream calculation methods and data quality standards provide Dell and others with a more comprehensive understanding of their supply chains' carbon footprint. 

Dell’s supply chain management

Dell is looking to cut supply chain emissions through ambitious goals and strategic supplier collaboration. 

The tech giant is already making strides toward sustainability by integrating 95 million pounds (43.1 million kg) of sustainable materials into its products.

In addition, Dell has set ambitious targets to further minimise its environmental impact, including:

• Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions from product use by 30%
  
• Achieving 75% renewable energy use in its global facilities by 2030, with a goal of 100% by 2040.

By 2030, the firm targets a 45% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services. 

To meet its sustainability targets, Dell's suppliers are urged to adopt renewable energy, cut emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 and involve their own suppliers in these efforts.

Dell also promotes energy efficiency in manufacturing, with 1.5 billion kWh of renewable energy used in FY23. 

Embracing a circular economy, Dell drives recycling, remanufacturing, low-carbon transportation, responsible sourcing and continuous emissions tracking for transparency.

It's hoped that, by 2030, more than 50% of Dell's product content and 100% of packaging will be made from recycled or renewable materials, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices across its operations.

Partnering with Optera underscores Dell's commitment to enhancing its supply chain sustainability through advanced carbon transparency and actionable emissions data. 

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