Exploring the Delicate Art of Supplier Decarbonisation

Decarbonising procurement and supply chain functions is essential, as these areas account for the largest share of most companies’ carbon footprint.

Procurement decisions set the tone for supplier behaviour, while supply chain activities determine how goods are produced, transported and delivered.

Cutting emissions across these functions supports progress towards net-zero targets, reduces risk and ensures compliance with tightening regulations, while also meeting growing consumer expectations. It strengthens collaboration with suppliers, fostering shared progress on sustainability.

Beyond compliance, decarbonisation opens the door to innovation and resilience, helping businesses remain competitive in a shifting market and play a meaningful role in tackling climate change.

At Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London 2025, Iris van der Harst, Chief Procurement Officer at EQUANS, will discuss the art of decarbonising alongside suppliers during a fireside session on the event's Procurement Stage. 

To secure your ticket for PSC LIVE London, click here. 

Prioritising supplier decarbonisation

Many of the world’s largest organisations now see supply chain decarbonisation as central to their sustainability strategies.

Schneider Electric is one such example, aiming for carbon-neutral operations by 2025 through 150 zero-CO₂ sites, sourcing 90% of its electricity from renewables and halving emissions across its top 1,000 suppliers.

By integrating eco-design, driving supplier decarbonisation and expanding access to clean energy, Schneider shows how a global business can act as both a leader and enabler of sustainable transformation.

“Schneider Electric and sustainability go a long way back,” said Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric, in the Schneider Sustainability Impact 2021-2025 programme.

“It has and will continue to be at the core of everything we do. In 2005, we were the first to monitor our impact on people, planet and profit with an industry-leading sustainability barometer."

In a recent interview with Supply Chain Digital, Joseph Sarvary, Manager of Sustainability Solutions for EMEA at ENGIE Impact, discussed the importance of sustainability when selecting suppliers.

"Sustainability is increasingly shaping supplier decisions, driven by mounting pressure from consumers, regulators and stakeholders," he said. 

"At ENGIE Impact, we see this first-hand as companies like Microsoft and Bayer actively integrate Science- Based Targets (SBTs) into their procurement strategies, requiring suppliers to demonstrate a commitment to emissions reductions and offering support and training to accelerate the transition.

"This shift reflects a growing recognition that sustainable supply chains are essential for long-term resilience and compliance."

Decarbonising with suppliers

Attendees at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London 2025 can enjoy a fireside chat – Decarbonising together with your suppliers: Insights and best practices from Equans – featuring Iris van der Harst, Chief Procurement Officer at EQUANS.

She will take to the Procurement Stage on Day 1 (23 Sept) from 12.40pm. 

Iris responsible for overseeing Equans' procurement strategy, focusing on optimising procurement processes, managing supplier relationships and achieving cost savings without compromising on quality or sustainability. 

With extensive experience in strategic procurement management, she has a strong background in leading teams and implementing efficient processes that contribute to business objectives in industries such as retail, e-commerce and hospitality. 

Iris' expertise lies in developing valuable partnerships and applying innovative solutions to enhance procurement strategies.

About Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE London 2025

Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE is returning to the Business Design Centre in London for its annual Global Summit on 23-24 September. 

This unmissable event is aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing and connections among the world's procurement and supply chain leaders.

Those attending can enjoy inspiring keynotes, engaging panels and exclusive workshops covering a diverse range of topics, including supply chain transformation, procurement technology, sustainability and ESG, AI, finance, logistics and supplier relationship management.

To secure your tickets, click here.