The Supply Chain Energy Lab Campaign

In 2015, CorpEthics became advisors to ClimateWorks Supply Chain Energy Lab (SCEL) which was created to drive energy efficiency and renewable energy production in China. While China has become the manufacturer for the world, it relies heavily on outdated coal-fired power plants. As a result, goods produced in China and bound primarily for the U.S., Japan, and Europe require more energy and thus produce more carbon emissions than if they were produced in these countries.

Fortunately, major corporations in the U.S. have the power to demand that their suppliers improve their energy efficiency and reliance on renewable energy. Some are motivated by the mere threat of a campaign and the fact that they represent a new breed of companies that understand the economic benefits of energy efficiency. Google, Apple, and Facebook are among the leaders. They have committed to 100% clean energy to power their data centers. Now they must be persuaded to do the same for their electronics products. The big box, apparel, and construction industries are the next highest priorities.

CorpEthics is advising ClimateWorks on supply chain campaigns, drawing on 20 years of experience in this arena. Our role is to provide strategic advice, help recruit NGOs to take the lead in these campaigns, assist in the grant-making process, and guide the evolution of the SCEL over the next several years.