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Corporate Supplier Sustainability Policies

Requirements

  • All energy and water consumption, and waste generation, must be monitored and reported on a monthly basis. Adidas then uses these metrics to calculate the carbon footprint of each supplier.
  • Adidas lists out ways in which companies cab monitor and reduce their carbon footprint through in terms of energy, waste, and water management in their Environmental Guidelines. 

Methodology

    • Suppliers must report monthly to Adidas. Routine audits are performed by Adidas and non-compliance can result in a series of measures leading to termination of contracts. 
    • More information on Amazon’s Supply Chain Standards can be found here.
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  • Requirements
    • Suppliers should track, document and, upon request, report greenhouse gas emissions to Amazon. Suppliers are encouraged to establish a greenhouse gas reduction goal and publicly report against their progress.
    • Suppliers are encouraged to add pollution control equipment and/or modify production, maintenance, and facility processes to help minimize or eliminate air and greenhouse gas emissions, the discharge of pollutants, and generation of waste.
    • Suppliers should reduce fossil fuel consumption, and  consumption of other natural resources, including water and minerals, and avoid deforestation. Suppliers are encouraged to implement practices such as modifying production, maintenance and facility processes, materials substitution, re-use, conservation, or recycling.

    • Suppliers are required to identify, routinely monitor, control, and treat air emissions of volatile organic chemicals, aerosols, corrosives, partic- ulates, ozone depleting substances, and combustion by-products generated from operations as required by law prior to discharge. Ozone depleting substances should be effectively managed in in accordance with applicable protocols.

  • Methodology
    • Suppliers must report GHG emissions to Amazon upon request. Their policy does not state what method of reporting is required.
    • More information on Amazon’s Supply Chain Standards can be found here.
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  • Requirements
    • 100% of Apple suppliers are expected to be carbon neutral for their Apple production by 2030. This includes the requirement that all suppliers must commit to using renewable energy for Apple production.
    • Apple maintains Supplier Responsibility Standards that include reporting and management on the following:
      • Hazardous Waste Management
      • Wastewater Management
      • Stormwater Management
      • Air Emissions Management
      • Boundary Noise Management
  • Methodology
    • Apple works with 3rd party audit programs to complete audits for their suppliers and ensure they are complying with all sustainability standards.
    • Suppliers must complete annual reports on the policies listed in their Supplier Responsibility Standards and have them readily available upon request.
    • Find more information on Apple’s supply chain sustainability commitments here.
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  • Requirements
    • Suppliers should protect the environment and the conservation of natural resources, including seeking out sustainable materials and manufacturing methods to conserve natural resources and reduce waste. This includes measuring, managing, and disclosing environmental impacts, including public reporting on annual environmental performance in areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and waste generation and management. Suppliers are encouraged to set targets and implement action plans for reducing environmental impacts.
    • Within its Supply Chain Code of Conduct, Disney also policies around Human & Labor Rights, Animal Welfare, Supply Chain Management, Ethics & Responsible Business, and Quality & Safety.
  • Methodology
    • Disney itself discloses Sustainability and ESG metrics under SASB, GRI, UN SDGs, CDP, and TCFD. It is not clear from Disney’s website the methodology that its suppliers should report under.
    • More information here
  • Requirements
    • The Supplier Code, which is based on internationally recognized standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Labor Organization’s Conventions, consists of the following Core Principles:
      1. ENGAGE IN LAWFUL AND ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
      2. PROMOTE A RESPECTFUL, FAIR AND DIVERSE WORKPLACE
      3. PROVIDE A SAFE, HEALTHY WORKPLACE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY

    • ELC Suppliers must meet all requirements of applicable environmental laws and regulations related to their products’ development, manufacturing, and distribution. ELC Suppliers must strive to continually improve their environmental footprint including the promotion of sustainability initiatives such as energy and water conservation, pollution prevention, waste minimization, reuse, and recycling practices.

  • Methodology
    • Estée Lauder completes regular audits of supplier facilities to ensure compliance with sustainability requirements.
    • Read more about Estée Lauder’s Supplier Code of Conduct here.
  • Requirements
    • Throughout their operations, suppliers will work to reduce consumption of resources, including raw materials, energy, and water. Suppliers will track, document, and seek to minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and seek ways to improve energy efficiency and use cleaner sources of energy.
    • Suppliers will maintain a policy reasonably assuring that any tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold in products they manufacture does not directly or indirectly benefit armed groups that commit human rights abuses in or near the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Suppliers will exercise, and will make available to us upon request, due diligence on the source and chain of custody of these minerals.
    • Suppliers will identify and manage chemicals and other materials that pose a hazard to the environment, to ensure their safe handling, use, storage, and disposal. Suppliers will identify, monitor, control, treat, and reduce hazardous air emissions, wastewater, and waste generated from its operations. Suppliers will adhere to our requirements restricting use of specific substances, including labeling for recycling or disposal.
    • Suppliers will work to reduce or eliminate waste of all types. Where waste cannot be eliminated, suppliers will manage and control all waste streams to comply with applicable laws and regulations, and in an environmentally responsible and secure way; this includes, but is not limited to, preventing illegal discharges and spills from entering storm drains, and treating as required prior to discharge or disposal of all wastewater and solid waste from operations, industrial processes, and sanitation facilities.
  • Methodology
    • Suppliers are expected to establish their own management system to carry out the requirements listed above. Their website does not specifically state where suppliers can report on these requirements.
    • More information can be found here.
  • Requirements
    • Suppliers must have in place energy management policies and programs to reduce energy intensity and emission production. Suppliers shall manage and disclose greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint to Levi’s and Co. 
    • Suppliers shall have in place water management policies and programs to measure and reduce freshwater consumption. 
    • Levi’s actively pursues suppliers that have in place processes that contribute to circular design, capture value from product inputs, and divert products from becoming waste at end of life. 
  • Methodology
    • Levi’s themselves report to the CDP, but do not clearly state the reporting requirements for suppliers. 
    • More information on Levi’s Supplier Code of Conduct can be found here.
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  • Requirements
    • Companies must put in place systems to avoid accidental or gradual pollution of the air, soil, surface and underground water in the production and storage processes, including wastewater, as well as pollution during the transport of hazardous materials.
    • Ensure employees are aware of how to behave in case of an environmental incident.
    • L’Oreal is a member of the Supply Chain Program of the Carbon Disclosure Project to encourage our suppliers to measure and manage their CO2 emissions.
    • L’Oreal’s sustainable supply policy includes
      • Guaranteeing the traceability of all raw materials of renewable origin
      • Monitoring the environmental and social issues involved in each supply sector
      • Respect for crops and plant harvesting, which should make positive contributions to the economic development of producers and should be carried out with respect for traditional know-how based on biodiversity
      • The preservation of biodiversity and forests
      • The application of sustainable, low-carbon agricultural practices
  • Methodology
    • To guarantee suppliers are following sustainability policy requirements, L’Oreal carries out audits conducted by independent third parties.
    • More information can be found here.
  • Requirements
    • Lowe’s is requiring that suppliers comply with their sustainability goals across a variety of industries.
      • By 2025, all wood products must be sustainably sourced.
      • By 2030, all private brand packaging must be recyclable, reusable or compostable.
      • By 2025, 100% of private brand packaging both in-store and online must include the How2Recycle label, where space allows.
    • Lowe’s Supplier Code of Conduct also requires that suppliers manage water, waste, and energy efficiently across their processes.
      • Vendors shall implement a thorough water management process that identifies and monitors water sources, uses, and conservation opportunities. Vendors shall also monitor and control wastewater and discharge.

      • Vendors shall implement a thorough waste management process that identifies, monitors, and reduces sources of solid waste while prioritizing recycling where possible. 

      • Vendors shall monitor energy consumption and should look to maximize energy efficiency while reducing consumption and greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible. 
  • Methodology
    • Lowe’s conducts routine audits to ensure compliance with its Vendor Code of Conduct. Documentation of compliance must be provided a request.
    • More information on Lowe’s supplier sustainability plans can be found here, and its Vendor Code of Conduct can be found here. 
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  • Requirements
      • Target themselves have committed to only purchasing only sustainable and certified sources of cotton, forest products, palm oil, and seafood. They have set separate requirements for non-target owned brands. 
      • Suppliers must have an environmental management system that identifies, characterizes, and inventories all operational and production impacts to air emission, energy, water, and wastewater. Impacts must be measured and tracked. 
      • Suppliers are expected to set clear goals to improve energy and water efficiency and document progress made toward achieving those goals. 
  • Methodology
    • Target themselves are reporting to the Climate Disclosure Project (CDP), but their policy does not specifically state where suppliers are required to report. 
    • More information can be found here.
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  • Requirement
    • The Home Depot purchases products made in factories that adhere to their Responsible Sourcing Standards, which mandate that suppliers and factories abide by all applicable international and local laws, rules and regulations in the manufacturing and distribution of merchandise or services provided to The Home Depot.
    • The Home Depot has its own Wood Purchasing Policy which requires that wood suppliers work with them to decrease deforestation and provide more sustainable sourced wood. 
  • Methodology
    • Suppliers must keep on-site documentation that demonstrates compliance with our standards. They also must allow The Home Depot associates and/or representatives full access to production facilities, worker records, production records and workers for confidential interviews in connection with monitoring visits.
    • More information can be found here.
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  • Requirements
    • Suppliers shall develop and maintain environmentally responsible business practices and are responsible for compliance with environmental laws, including operating with relevant environmental permits and licenses, in the country of operation.
    • Macy’s has outlined “Sustainable Product Pillars”  that describe the requirements for their sustainability program. These include sustainably sourced materials, materials that are redesigned, refurbished, or reused, and chemical free practices.
  • Methodology
    • Macy’s does not state specific reporting requirements.
    • More information can be found here.
  • Requirements
    • McDonald’s has set plans to improve the sustainable sourcing across all industries they are involved in.
    • By 2030, suppliers of beef, soy, palm oil, and coffee, must be deforestation-free  in line with their Eliminate Deforestation Goal. 
    • McDonald’s has put in place measures to increase the responsible use of antibiotic within the animal farming and continues to work wit suppliers to do so. 
  • Methodology
    • McDonald’s conducts routine audits on suppliers in order to confirm that policies are being adhered to. 
    • More information on MdDonalds’s Responsible Sourcing and Supplier Code of Conduct can be found here.
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  • Requirements
    • Disclose complete, consistent, and accurate scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data and/or components required to calculate GHG emissions data.  Suppliers may also be required to provide independent third-party assurance over such disclosed emissions data.
    • Provide and achieve plans to reduce Microsoft delivered goods and services absolute GHG emissions by a minimum of 55% by 2030 or an alternative reduction target pursuant to the baseline established in their Supplier contract or in other written communication with Microsoft.
    • Transition to 100% carbon-free electricity for their Microsoft delivered goods and services by 2030, as part of the above plan.  For further information and guidance on carbon-free electricity criteria, please visit the Environmental Protection FAQs. We recognize the challenges some suppliers may face in disclosing and reducing GHG emissions and we’re committed to working with suppliers. Additional details, including specific requirements for data disclosure, method, assurance, alternative timelines and/or targets, and achievement of planned reductions will be set forth in the Supplier’s contract or in other written communication sent by Microsoft to Supplier.
  • Methodology
  • Requirements
    • Comply with all applicable environmental and climate laws and regulations, including but not limited to laws and regulations that regulate hazardous materials, air, water emissions, waste, and climate management.
    • Support Mastercard with their sustainability initiatives. For example,  setting, tracking and measuring Science Based Targets for short-term ranging from five (5) to ten (10) years and long-term targets of more than ten (10) years.
    • Set, document, and share Science Based Targets with Mastercard.
    • Disclose accurate Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions data and/or components required to calculate GHG emissions data, via CDP or alternative(s) in a manner satisfactory to Mastercard. Failure to respond or disclose will result in a negative performance score leading to a potential reduction in future business.
    • Mastercard may request data such as baseline statistics, improvement plans, goals, remediation plans and associated timeframes with progress status.
    • Mastercard can audit their suppliers’ performance on environmental metrics, and poor performance can lower the supplier’s score and potentially reduce opportunities for future business.
  • Methodology
    • Mastercard may include sustainability requirements in their supplier contracts and agreements. Please review the details of your contract with Mastercard to confirm for your organization.
    • Find more information here.
  • Requirements
    • The supplier follows all legal requirements and Nike-accepted industry standards for air emissions and energy systems management. Routine monitoring and reporting are required for: greenhouse gases, volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, particulates, ammonia, ozone depleting chemicals and combustion by-products.
    • The supplier minimizes freshwater withdrawals and discharges wastewater in compliance with local law and regulations and the CLS. The supplier strives to understand and manage its water risk and promotes water reduction and efficiency in operations.

    • The supplier properly segregates, manages, transports, and disposes of all solid and hazardous waste in compliance with local law and regulations and the CLS. The supplier obtains all required permits and verifies solid and hazardous waste subcontractors are properly qualified and licensed. The supplier measures and continuously strives to minimize waste generation.

  • Methodology
    • Reports must be submit to Nike to prove compliance with Supplier Code of Conduct. Their website does not state what reporting methods are required.
    • Find more on Nike’s Supplier Code of Conduct here.
  • Requirements
    • Merchants must transition to reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging options globally by 2030.
    • Drivers are encouraged and incentivized to transition to Electric Vehicles. The Green Future program is providing access to resources valued at $800 million to help hundreds of thousands of drivers transition to battery EVs by 2025 in Canada, Europe, and the US.
       
  • Methodology
    • Uber plans to reach zero emissions by 2040 by working with merchants, drivers, and couriers. 
    • Find more information on Uber’s Road to Zero Emissions here.
  • Requirements
  • Unilever has developed both a Responsible Partner Policy and Sustainable Agriculture Principles in order to hold suppliers accountable and provide sustainably sourced products. This includes products such as palm oil, paper and board, and soy.
  • Sustainability practices are embedded across the supplier’s operations and activities which aim to achieve the following
    • Reduce the generation of waste and achieve zerolandfill
    • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutral solutions
    • Reduce the consumption of water
    • Protect and enhance nature and biodiversity
    • Halt deforestation
  • Methodology

    • A systematic review of the supplier’s sustainability practices and environmental management systems is undertaken regularly with support from experienced conservationists and with the involvement of local communities to determine whether appropriate policies and procedures are in place and are functioning to achieve the aims outlined in this topic.

    • Find more information on Unilever’s Responsible Partner Policy  here.
  • Requirements
    • Suppliers must strive to reduce, eliminate or prevent waste of all types by conserving materials and modifying their production or maintenance or facility processes. Suppliers must also work to reduce the volume and toxicity of products throughout the life cycle.
    • Suppliers must work with their own subcontractors and suppliers to assess and address environmental and sustainability issues within their supply chains.
    • Suppliers are expected to implement an environmental management system and focus on monitoring and continually improving their performance. Well-designed “key performance indicators” and meaningful short- and long-term improvement targets are essential.
  • Methodology
    • Suppliers must track and report to Verizon’s Environmental, Health and Safety team all waste materials managed on behalf of Verizon.
    • Find more information on Verizon’s Supplier Code of Conduct here.
  • Requirements
    • Suppliers must participate in this initiative to collectively reduce 1 gigaton (1 billion metric tons) of greenhouse gases by 2030. This involves taking actions in key areas like energy efficiency, transportation, waste reduction, and product design to cut carbon emissions.
    • Suppliers are expected to source materials in an environmentally responsible way. This includes using renewable resources, minimizing deforestation, and promoting responsible agricultural practices. For example, sourcing commodities like palm oil, beef, soy, and timber should follow recognized sustainable certification standards to prevent environmental harm.
    • Suppliers are encouraged to optimize energy use, minimize water consumption, and reduce waste across their operations. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing water conservation practices, and reducing packaging waste, among other efficiency measures.
    • Regular sustainability reports must be submitted, adhering to frameworks like GRI or CDP, and may involve audits.
    • Suppliers need to demonstrate ongoing compliance with these standards.
  • Methodology
    • Walmart provides suppliers with access to dedicated online platforms or portals where they can submit their sustainability data. 
    • Suppliers are required to align their reports with recognized sustainability frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), or the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).
    • Find more information on Walmart’s Product Supply Chain Responsibility here.

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Around the world, many companies are publishing corporate sustainability policies for their suppliers. Often times, these sustainability policies show up in a company’s “Supplier Code of Conduct.” If you do business with one of these companies, you might have found that there are specific sustainability-related requirements in the supplier contract, RFP, or other documents. We have been tracking requirements from many companies that publish their requirements publicly in this tracker above. If you see a company that you would like added to the list, contact us and we will get them added!