Systematic Integration of Suppliers into your Sustainability Strategy
Supply Chain Engagement
Supply chain engagement describes the systematic process by which companies actively involve their suppliers in sustainability goals. This is not a one-time project, but rather a continuous cycle: new products, changing suppliers, evolving regulations, and emerging problem areas require constant adaptation of your strategy.
DFGE – Institute for Energy, Ecology and Economy supports you as an independent specialist through this dynamic process. Even companies that are already well-advanced face new challenges time and again due to changes. With DFGE, you start from a higher level of experience rather than from scratch.
- Product Carbon Footprint
- LKsG & CSDDD
- EcoVadis
- Science-Based Targets
- Blogpost: Book & Claim in der Logistik
- Blogpost: Scope 3.1 Deep Dive
- Press Release: Strategic Partnership with EcoVadis
- Case Study: ZF Friedrichshafen
Who benefits from Supply Chain Engagement?
Our solutions are specifically designed for three target groups:
Sustainability Manager
You are responsible for your company’s ESG strategy and must implement regulatory requirements such as the CSRD, LkSG, or CSDDD. Supply chain engagement is key to reducing Scope 3 emissions and improving your CDP or EcoVadis ratings.
Purchasing & Procurement
As a purchasing manager, you are increasingly involved in sustainability processes. You need practical solutions to integrate sustainability criteria into your procurement processes without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Supplier Management
You manage and evaluate your supplier base. With Supply Chain Engagement, you gain transparency into your suppliers’ sustainability performance – for example, through EcoVadis ratings – and work to improve it in a targeted manner.
How can DFGE help?
An Overview of Our Services
Olga Schick-Scheider
Head of Sustainability Supply Chain, ZF Group
“ZF introduced PCF transparency as a mandatory procurement criterion at an early stage and developed an efficient training solution in collaboration with DFGE. This collaboration was crucial in enabling our suppliers to successfully implement the PCF requirements.“
Supply Chains in Transition
Why Supply Chain Engagement is an ongoing Process
Supply chains are dynamic. What works today may be obsolete tomorrow:
- New product lines require new suppliers with different risk profiles
- Regulatory requirements are constantly changing (CSRD, LkSG, EU Taxonomy)
- Methods are being replaced—new assessment standards and frameworks are being introduced
- Geopolitical shifts are creating new problem areas
Even companies that are already well-advanced may take a step back due to such changes—but they start from a higher level of experience. This is exactly where DFGE comes in: We support you over the long term and ensure that your supply chain engagement keeps pace.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions about Supply Chain Engagement
1. What is Supply Chain Engagement?
Supply Chain Engagement is a systematic approach to actively involving suppliers in sustainability goals, continuously monitoring them, and sustainably improving their performance.
2. Why is Supply Chain Engagement important for my company?
It helps minimize risks in the supply chain, reduce Scope 3 emissions, and comply with regulatory requirements such as the CSRD or LkSG. At the same time, it increases transparency and improves ESG ratings.
3. How can DFGE support my business?
We offer a comprehensive program: supplier assessment, strategy development, integration of EcoVadis and CDP programs, Scope 3 management, training, and ongoing monitoring.
4. Which target groups benefit from Supply Chain Engagement?
Above all, sustainability managers, procurement professionals, and supplier management staff—in other words, anyone who is directly or indirectly responsible for ESG, procurement, or supplier performance.
5. How often should a Supply Chain Engagement program be reviewed?
Since supply chains are dynamic, we recommend ongoing monitoring and regular reviews—at least once a year or whenever there are significant changes to products, suppliers, or regulatory requirements.
