Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched ‘RE:Spark’, a supply chain decarbonisation programme which aims to help suppliers adopt renewable energy.
Developed in partnership with tech company Schneider Electric, the new initiative has been put in place to allow M&S to look beyond its own operations and into Scope 3 sustainability channels that intend to spark change across its supply chain.
What the supply chain decarbonisation programme will do:
- Create a centralised digital hub where suppliers can submit emissions data, track decarbonisation efforts, and learn more about carbon reduction action
- Host regional market briefs and webinars
- Provide advisory services to help suppliers assess and implement clean energy solutions
- Enable suppliers to aggregate demand for power purchase agreements .
Katharine Beacham, head of sustainability & materials in fashion, home & beauty at M&S, remarked: “We believe sustainability should be embedded in everything we do, from how we source products to supporting our partners and customers to do the right thing.
“We know that real change happens when we collaborate. That’s why RE:Spark is designed not only to ignite new ideas and unlock renewable energy opportunities for our supply base, but also to make the transition easier by providing access to support and resources.”
She added: “By acting as a facilitator, we can help our suppliers build networks and resilience for the long term – sparking a movement of change across the industry and beyond. It’s all part of our broader commitment – through Plan A, our approach to sustainability – to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Steve Wilhite, executive vice president, at SE Advisory Services, said: “As an energy technology company, we’re proud to be working with M&S to help suppliers overcome barriers to renewable electricity adoption.
“RE:Spark is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive scalable, impactful change across global supply chains.”
The new efforts in this space build on M&S’s work with manufacturers to date, which has involved the retailer scaling its adoption of Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) across Tier 1 finished goods facilities and Tier 2 wet processing sites. Verified emissions data from these assessments feed into Scope 3 emission calculations, which the retailer said allows it to target action where it matters most.
M&S said it already works directly with suppliers through webinars, training, and review sessions to help them improve data accuracy and support environmental improvements.
Another retailer supporting suppliers decarbonise and move towards more sustainable models is Levi’s which has launched – in India – the LS&Co Energy Accelerator Programme to help suppliers in the country access renewable energy.
By creating this platform, the fashion brand hopes to support both its own sustainability ambitions and those of its suppliers.
[image credit: Green Retail World]
