1. Accurate carbon footprint data
The numbers matter. If you want your CRP to help you sail through the selection process, not only do you need to include all the relevant data but it needs to be Accurate, reliable and with appropriate assumptions and justifications of omissions.
If you’re an Excel expert and have a head for figures then you might feel confident enough to crunch the numbers yourself, but we don’t blame you if the sums send your head spinning.
Gathering data is probably the most time-consuming part of the process and no-one wants to double up on that work so we recommend starting as early as possible. You can also save time by identifying the data points that you need to include – and perhaps more importantly – those you can ignore for now. Don’t waste hours trying to track down an obscure measurement if it won’t ever end up informing meaningful action within your CRP
Next, you’ll need to convert your activity data into standardised Greenhouse Gas Emissions by selecting the most appropriate from 1000s of conversion factors. It’s easy to get caught out as these calculations change every year.
Finally, accept that this won’t be a one-and-done task. You’ll need to update all your numbers every year to fulfil the terms of your existing contracts and ensure you’re prepped and ready for any future opportunities. Best practice is to review and update all the numbers within six months of your organisation’s financial year-end.
2. All in-scope activities
While there’s a lot more jargon than we’d like surrounding all things CRP, one term that you do need to know is Scope Emissions.
These are the emissions you need to track – and ideally find ways to reduce – in your CRP. But working out which activities fall in-scope isn’t always easy.
Scope 1 emissions are usually the most straightforward, but things get more complicated when we start looking at Scope 2 and 3, especially when your supply chains get pulled into the mix. .
Err on the side of caution: your office consumes energy even if you only rent it; a renewable electricity tariff doesn’t eliminate all Scope 2 emissions; and office waste still counts as waste.
If you do think a Scope or Category listed in the CRP doesn’t apply to your organisation, never leave that box blank. To be in with a chance of winning your next contract, you’ll need to use that space to make reasonable justifications as to why it doesn’t fall into your scope.
3. Meaningful targets
We all know the ultimate goal: Net Zero. But that target means nothing if you don’t have interim milestones to meet along the way.
Procurement Execs know that you’re not going to achieve Net Zero overnight – that fact won’t make or break your pitch. However, they will spot if your near term targets aren’t setting you up for success and don’t reflect your data.
Make sure that the numbers you include in your CRP aren’t just a stab in the dark. Use your data and your business plan to set targets that are actually achievable and can be backed up by hard numbers. They should also be rooted in science and aligned with the latest insights from the climate experts.
4. Measurable next steps
Once your targets are set, you’ll need to show how you’re going to meet them. Your next steps should be actionable and trackable as you’ll need to prove that you’ve made progress during the contract period.
That’s why it can be most effective, for you as a company and for your pitch, to choose action steps that target areas that have the highest impact on your overall carbon footprint. A big bang can often be more effective – and impressive to potential partners – than small savings (although every little helps!)
5. Organisational alignment
A pitch-winning CRP will never be one that’s filled with lofty ambitions and empty promises. Procurement execs know you’re running a commercial enterprise and that you’ll need to balance sustainability and carbon reduction measures with turning a profit and keeping the lights on.
There’s no point stating that you’ll cut all emissions from your supply chain when you know your main supplier is already the most efficient option on the market. Winning a contract won’t benefit your company if you have to make changes that cripple you.
Make sure the actions outlined in your CRP are operationally and financially sustainable and in line with your business plan.
6. Futureproofed plans
Meeting that bid deadline and acing the pitch might be top of mind right now, but your new contract – and your CRP – are built for the long-term.
A gold standard CRP will demonstrate that you’re a partner they can trust, one that will follow through with your commitments, and one that will keep carbon reduction on the agenda as demands get even more stringent.
Make it an active document, share it with your shareholders, your board and your wider team, and keep on top of your data year-round.
Looking for support with crafting a pitch-winning CRP?
Get in touch with our team today and we’ll give you the rundown. No hard sell, just helpful advice and actionable insights.
