Due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, the world is witnessing the challenge of climate change. The carbon emissions blanket the Earth, trapping the Sun’s heat, leading to global warming and changes in climatic conditions.  

According to the UN Climate Action, businesses are the biggest contributors to climate change. They account for 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and about 90% of carbon dioxide emissions. 

Companies heavily rely on burning fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—to extract raw materials, manufacture, and transport goods. As a result, gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and CFCs pollute the atmosphere. 

As more companies acknowledge their responsibility to reduce carbon emissions, procurement teams are increasingly pressured to implement strategies that mitigate the impact of climate change. Hence, procurement teams are finding ways to implement sustainable measures and set net zero goals.  

In this blog, we’ll explore net zero goals in detail, why they are important, and discuss the role of procurement strategies in achieving the company’s net zero goals. After the end of the blog, you’ll be equipped with strategies to help combat climate change and attain net zero emissions. 

What are net zero goals? 

Net zero goals refer to a state in which greenhouse gases emitted by a company are balanced by those removed from the atmosphere, with a net zero impact on the environment. 

It is an internationally agreed-upon goal implemented by enterprises worldwide to reduce global warming and gas emissions. The goals are carried out to reduce the amount of carbon emissions in every way possible through sustainable practices. 

According to the United Nations Climate Action Organization, net zero refers to reducing carbon emissions to a level that allows nature to completely absorb and store them without disturbing the balance of the atmosphere. 

For businesses, setting net zero goals is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s also about aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. It’s about fostering sustainable growth and minimizing your environmental impact, ensuring long-term success in an evolving global market.  

Why net zero is important? 

Net zero is not just a corporate responsibility, it’s a crucial step in safeguarding the future of our planet. It is vital for businesses as it helps in navigating climate change, gain a competitive edge, and stay sustainable in the long run. 

In the current scenario, many consumers are inclined to support businesses prioritizing sustainability and net zero goals. Consumers have become more conscious of products and the company’s environmental impact.  

A Statista study revealed that 44% of consumers today are more likely to purchase products from brands committed to sustainability. 

Moreover, governments are increasingly implementing regulations to compel companies to control their emissions. By setting and achieving net zero goals, companies can mitigate regulatory risks, meet consumer expectations, and position themselves as leaders in the transitioning low-carbon economy. Aside from cleaning the environment, net zero helps businesses grow, save costs, and increase resilience. 

How do procurement strategies contribute to achieving net zero goals? 

We realize it’s the need of the hour, but can procurement really achieve net zero? Several believe that net zero is an unachievable target and is doomed to fail. Amidst the challenges, there’s a need to be hopeful.  

Procurement strategies come to the rescue for achieving net zero goals because they directly impact businesses’ supply chains. Below are some procurement strategies that can drive sustainability and achieve net zero objectives. 

1. Sourcing Sustainable Materials 

Prioritize sourcing materials with a lower environmental impact, focusing on renewable, recyclable, and low-carbon options to reduce the carbon footprint in your manufacturing processes.  

For example, at Moglix, we procure materials that align with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, biomass briquettes, and green hydrogen. Through this initiative, we directly contribute to reducing the carbon footprint in manufacturing.  
Additionally, we use these materials to replace fossil-fuel-dependent alternatives, helping achieve net zero emissions while supporting the use of eco-friendly raw materials. 

2. Partnering with Eco-Friendly Suppliers 

Choosing suppliers who align with sustainability standards and share net zero commitment can contribute to more sustainable growth. Eco-friendly suppliers adopt energy-efficient processes, actively minimize waste, and implement practices that significantly reduce carbon emissions.  

Long-term partnerships with such suppliers foster collaboration and lead to innovation and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, these strengthened relationships can help ensure a more resilient and responsible supply chain. By leveraging this procurement strategy, companies can adapt to evolving global environmental standards and meet consumer expectations.  
For example, we continuously work with suppliers to ensure they adopt energy-efficient processes and minimize waste generation. These collaborations encourage the development of innovative, green technologies that contribute to achieving net zero emissions. 

3. Implementing Green Procurement Policies 

Implementing green procurement policies not only minimizes environmental impact but also leads to significant cost savings by optimizing resource use and reducing waste, making your operations more efficient. Implementing these policies into business operations facilitates sustainability in the procurement process. These policies require procurement teams to consider environmental criteria, one of the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria, while making purchasing decisions. 

The E criteria might include evaluating the carbon footprint of the material, assessing the supplier’s sustainable approaches, and emphasizing purchases that align with the company’s net zero goals. These policies ensure consistency in sustainable practices and foster an environmental responsibility in the organization. 
At Moglix, we integrate green procurement policies that emphasize the use of low-carbon alternatives. These policies are reflected in our procurement framework, which incorporates circular economy principles and prioritizes recycled and sustainable materials  

4. Promoting Low-Carbon Economy Practices 

Procurement strategies can support the low-carbon economy by prioritizing materials with low carbon emissions. By using reused, recycled, and repurposed materials, teams can lower the overall carbon footprint of the process. For instance, companies might choose easy recycling materials over materials taking longer to decompose in the environment. 

5. Encouraging Supplier Innovation 

Procurement professionals can encourage suppliers to innovate sustainable resources that fulfill net zero goals. Incorporating sustainable criteria while selecting suppliers will ensure that they align with the company’s values and net zero goals. The selected suppliers can contribute to more sustainable products and processes.  

The innovation involves investing in renewable energy, adopting more efficient manufacturing practices, or reducing the carbon footprint of logistic operations. When suppliers are motivated to innovate, the entire supply chain becomes sustainable, contributing to overall sustainable growth.   
For example, our push towards biomass-based energy solutions and waste-to-energy technologies enables suppliers to align with our net zero vision . 

6. Reducing Waste in the Procurement Process 

Minimizing waste in itself is the biggest contributor to achieving net zero goals. It can be accomplished by reducing packaging waste, optimizing orders to avoid overproduction, and minimizing returns.   

For instance, companies can collaborate with suppliers to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions like ours or adopt just-in-time procurement strategies to reduce overstocking, ultimately cutting down waste and emissions. 
At Moglix, we’re our logistic operations by promoting fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. We also use biomass-based energy solutions and waste-to-energy technologies to promote our net zero vision. 

7. Supporting Local Sourcing 

Another effective strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is sourcing goods locally. By sourcing materials and services locally, companies can reduce carbon emissions caused by transportation.  

This approach will drive the growth of local economies and reduce the risks of supply chain disruptions. Often, local products are costly, but the environmental benefits and reduced carbon footprint can outweigh the extra cost when considering long-term sustainability goals. 

8. Leveraging Technology 

By integrating advanced tools and technologies in procurement, businesses can track and verify the sustainability of suppliers and their materials. Tools like blockchain, AI-driven analytics, and ML enable teams to monitor their products’ environmental impact in real time. These techs identify inefficiencies, optimize resource usage, and ensure that suppliers meet sustainable standards, making procurement a key driver of net zero goals. 

9. Educating and Training Employees 

Educating and training employees and suppliers on sustainable practices can help businesses achieve net zero goals. By organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions, procurement teams can educate employees about the importance of sustainability and eco-friendly practices.  

Educated and well-informed suppliers and teams are prone to make informed decisions that align with the company’s sustainability objectives. This results in a consistent and impactful approach to achieving net zero goals. 

10. Empowering Stakeholders to Reduce Carbon Footprint 

Another crucial strategy is empowering stakeholders to reduce their carbon footprint in every way possible. This can be attained by equipping them with tools, resources, and incentives to implement sustainable practices. 

For example, procurement teams can partner with suppliers to develop sustainable products or offer incentives to stakeholders who suggest ways to reduce carbon emissions. By empowering stakeholders with something extra, businesses can drive innovation for net zero and create a sustainable business ecosystem. 

Summing Up 

As businesses encounter increasing pressure to address climate change, procurement’s role in achieving net zero goals is now more critical than ever. By adopting these strategies, companies can not only protect the environment but also secure their future in a competitive, low-carbon economy. Additionally, Businesses that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the entire supply chain can lower their environmental impact and strengthen their position in the market as carbon-neutral players. 

How can Moglix help your business achieve net zero emissions? 

At Moglix, we strongly believe in innovating solutions and proactive measures to pave the way for a greener, emission-free, and more resilient future for businesses. Our solutions align with global sustainable standards, fostering a positive impact on society and the environment. With experts and professionals by our side, we can help your business reduce its carbon footprint and reach net zero.