DIY retailer Wickes has announced it is working with sustainability data management platform Sweep to undertake “a data-driven approach” to assessing its carbon footprint, including within its supply chain.
The idea of the partnership is for Wickes to gain a granular understanding of its carbon emissions, which will give it more visibility of its environmental impact and help it make progress against its ambitious near-term science based targets.
Wickes said by partnering with Sweep, it aims to examine its complex supply chain emissions – which represent the most significant source of its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions – in multiple ways. The work will entail direct supplier engagement to obtain product level data, as well as connecting Sweep with other tools it uses to provide a streamlined reporting experience for suppliers.
Wickes’ chief commercial officer, Mark Cooke, commented: “At Wickes we recognise the substantial risk that climate change poses to humanity and the environment and we are committed to playing our part to achieve the UK’s 2050 net zero target.
“Given that 95% of Wickes’ carbon footprint originates from the products we offer, strategic collaboration with our supplier partners is essential for us to make meaningful progress towards decarbonising our business. Achieving this requires robust product data and the ability to clearly identify key emission hotspots.”
Sweep’s CEO and co-founder, Rachel Delacour, added: “We are delighted to be working with Wickes, providing the tools to master its sustainability data, integrate it into its business roadmap and build resilience for the future.
“By gaining a granular understanding of the impacts of their activities and those of their value chain, organisations can anticipate climate and regulatory risks, turn sustainability into a competitive advantage, and ensure the long-lasting success of their operations.”
Wickes hopes that by leveraging sustainability data and the Sweep platform, it will enhance the work it is already undertaking to demonstrate progress around sustainability performance and disclosure. Such moves will build increased trust with stakeholders, it said.
[image credit: Green Retail World]
