Supplier Engagement for Resilient Supply Chains
To thrive in a world of growing disruptions, companies need resilient supply chains. And it starts with supplier engagement. We’ve distilled common questions and real-world insights from companies of all sizes into seven practical tips for engaging with suppliers on climate.
Getting the Most out of Supplier Engagement
Corporate supply chains are only as resilient as their suppliers. For any company focused on managing risk in a warming world, it is essential to ensure that suppliers are also becoming resilient, future-proofed businesses. But where should companies begin?
Whether you’re just starting or scaling up your approach, new guidance Building Resilient Supply Chains: Getting the Most out of Supplier Engagement, will help you build stronger, more future-proofed supply chains.
Getting the Most out of Supplier Engagement

Why Supplier Engagement Matters
Right now, many companies are missing a critical opportunity to strengthen resilience and accelerate climate progress across their value chain.
- Only 41% of companies reporting to CDP in 2023 said they are engaging suppliers on climate.
- Only 17% of polled SMEs have received decarbonization requests from corporate buyers, suggesting that even minimal engagement could provide the push they need to take action.
- Suppliers are 3.2x more likely to set a science-based target if climate change is featured in supplier award schemes.
- 193M tonnes of CO₂e could be avoided if all emissions reduction project ideas submitted to buyers by 5,500+ suppliers in the CDP Supply Chain program were implemented.
Why Supplier Engagement Matters

Further insights
Seven Tips for Effective Supplier Engagement
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to supplier engagement. But companies can accelerate progress by focusing on what works:
Build a cross-functional dream team
Have clear, measurable objectives for your supplier engagement efforts
Ask your suppliers to set targets
Use available tools and data
Prioritize suppliers by potential impact and readiness
Find the right incentives
Be prepared