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How sustainable supply chains can unlock net zero emissions

January 6, 2022

In brief

Building resilient and responsible supply chains for the future

60%

of all global emissions are generated by supply chains

Supply chains are challenged like never before…

49%

of CEOs say they’re grappling with supply chain interruptions due to extreme climate events.

50%

of CEOs in food and beverage are concerned about accessing natural resources due to extreme weather.

26%

of CEOs say supply chain disruptions are a top-three risk in shifting to a low-carbon economy.

72%

of CEOs say sustainability is a priority as they deal with the fallout of the pandemic.

…and many are struggling to respond

54%

of CEOs say their companies haven’t started scenario analyses to build climate resilience—or only do so at a basic level.

52%

say their early warning systems for climate risk events are basic or non-existent.

63%

say that difficulty in measuring environmental, social and governance (ESG) data across the value chain is an obstacle to sustainability.

Supply chains powered by digital technology and data, plus a more diverse workforce, can help drive up sustainability and resilience.

#1 Use the power of data and digital tech

87%

say analytics on processes, equipment and products.

78%

say AI-powered demand forecasting.

76%

say autonomous and remote operations will be key.

3 in 4

CEOs are digitizing their supply chains, using advances in technology to expand the frontier of sustainability

#2 Get the workforce ready for resilience

63%

of CEOs globally say they have begun geographically diversifying their workforce

#3 Treat carbon as a business cost

47%

of CEOs from the largest companies have called on policymakers to ratify Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

#4 Focus on Scope 3 emissions

90%

of overall emissions from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies are Scope 3 emissions

Supply chains can lead the sustainability charge

Kris Timmermans

Lead – Supply Chain & Operations

Kris leads Accenture’s Supply Chain & Operations function and is a member of the company’s Global Management Committee.

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