In the renewables sector, suppliers play an important role in supporting increasing levels of sustainability and meeting the growing demand for clean energy. However, with increasing expectations for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, suppliers can also face challenges in aligning with buyer requirements, meeting regulatory standards, and maintaining competitiveness. Achilles offers solutions tailored to suppliers, providing the tools, insights, and support needed to strengthen ESG capabilities and build sustainable supply chains.
1. What is ESG capability, and why is it important for suppliers in the renewables sector?
ESG capability refers to a supplier’s ability to meet standards in Environmental, Social, and Governance practices, such as reducing environmental impact, ensuring fair labour practices, and maintaining ethical governance. For renewables suppliers, strong ESG capability is essential to align with buyers’ sustainability goals, meet regulatory demands, and stand out in a competitive market. For instance, companies like Lightsource BP have successfully used the Achilles platform to align their supply chains with stringent sustainability requirements, ensuring long-term competitiveness.
2. Can the Achilles solution help my business navigate ESG regulations?
Yes, Achilles keeps organisations informed of evolving ESG regulations and standards worldwide. The platform highlights compliance requirements, such as environmental impact reduction and ethical labour practices, and provides guidance to ensure suppliers meet these standards. This was particularly beneficial for Amarenco, which used Achilles’ insights to adapt to new regulations and build a more sustainable supply chain.
3. How does Achilles promote transparency in supply chains?
Transparency is fundamental for improving ESG performance because it helps organisations identify and address weaknesses in their operations. It also builds trust, as stakeholders now demand more evidence of progress than ever before. Transparency is equally important for staying compliant with evolving regulations and industry standards. As ESG standards become stricter, organisations that prioritise openness are better positioned to adapt and lead in their sectors. Achilles supports organisations in driving meaningful ESG progress. For example, through its partnership with Anglian Water, Achilles helped suppliers adopt transparent reporting practices, enabling them to contribute significantly to carbon reduction goals.
4. How does Achilles encourage collaboration to improve ESG standards?
Achilles connects suppliers with buyers and industry experts, creating opportunities to share best practices and learn from others in the renewables sector. A core part of the Achilles value proposition is its network model that enables supplier credentials to be shared between buying organisations to reduce duplication, drive efficiencies, increase transparency and accelerate progress to resilience and sustainability goals. Achilles provides access to more than 650 major organisational buyers providing substantial economies of scale and efficiencies – across sourcing, procurement, operations and reporting.
5. What long-term benefits can I expect from improving ESG capability with Achilles?
Suppliers who build strong ESG capabilities through Achilles can attract more business, enhance their reputation, and reduce regulatory risks. Long-term benefits include increased efficiency, improved risk management, and stronger buyer relationships.
Achilles equips supplier organisations like yours with the tools and insights needed to meet ESG requirements, improve transparency, and align with buyer expectations. Suppliers who build sustainable, ethical, and efficient practices within their operations through Achilles can secure more opportunities, improve their reputation, and thrive in a market where sustainability is a critical priority.
6. How does Achilles help businesses like mine to manage and reduce carbon?
Achilles offers a range of tools and programmes to help businesses effectively manage and reduce their carbon emissions:
- Carbon Calculation: Identify and track your carbon emissions with Achilles’ tools and assessments. Gain actionable insights to uncover opportunities for reducing your carbon footprint.
- Align with Buyer Goals: Demonstrate your commitment to reducing carbon impact and strengthen your position with buyers who prioritise supply chain partners focused on sustainability and lower emissions.
- Sustainability Benchmarking: Compare your carbon performance against industry standards to understand where you stand and gain insights for continuous improvement.
- Support for Carbon Reduction Goals: Access practical guidance, resources, and strategies to implement effective carbon reduction initiatives tailored to your business needs.
- Toitū Carbon Reduce programme: Take your carbon credentials to the next level with this programme developed by New Zealand’s leading climate scientists. Toitū Carbon Reduce is a practical and highly effective carbon footprint verification and reduction programme. It ensures your organisation’s GHG emissions are independently verified and credible.
Achilles equips supplier organisations with the tools and insights needed to meet ESG requirements, improve transparency, and align with buyer expectations.
