KWS achieves complete transactional scope 3 carbon transparency and CSRD readiness with carbmee EIS™
KWS pioneers carbon transparency by calculating 30,000 supplier footprints, securing CSRD compliance, and publishing EY-audited results for the first time, enabled by carbmee EIS™.
In autumn 2024, KWS achieved a significant milestone by publishing its officially audited GHG emissions data for the first time. Global accounting firm EY validated these results, marking an important step in KWS’s commitment to transparency and accuracy in carbon reporting. Carbmee’s support throughout this process enabled KWS to meet the rigorous standards required for this audit, reinforcing the reliability of its Scope 3 emissions data.
Company Profile
KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies, using leading-edge methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants' resistance. With a tradition of family ownership and over 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries, KWS has operated independently for more than 165 years.
Seeding the future with sustainable ambitions
The company is serious about sustainability and is committed to using innovative processes, eco-friendly technologies and clearly defined internal standards to minimize the environmental impact of our locations and operational activities. In addition to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the company aims to reach net-zero by 2050.
Despite the challenges in tackling Scope 3 emissions, Peter Hagenow, Head of Strategic Group Procurement at the company, stayed committed and decided to look for external solutions to manage and reduce the company's Scope 3 emissions.
"Carbmee has been a game-changer in helping us achieve true transparency in our carbon emissions and align with global standards. With their platform, we were able to confidently move forward with our sustainability reporting, meeting the CSRD requirements and achieving audited results for the first time. Carbmee’s expertise and technology have been instrumental in empowering our sustainability commitments and driving meaningful progress.”
Goal
Achieve comprehensive carbon transparency across the supply chain, enabling KWS to identify high-emission suppliers and prioritize reduction efforts to meet Scope 3 emissions targets and ensure CSRD compliance.
Challenge
Implement a scalable solution that can process and analyze emissions of the entire supply chain, aligning multiple departments under unified ESG objectives, while meeting the standards required for an EY audit and delivering actionable results within a limited timeframe.
Solution
Explore how KWS is using the Environmental Intelligence System carbmee EIS™ to drive carbon reduction.
“For the first time, we were able to create complete transparency on our Scope 3 emissions for the data we integrated from our ERP system into carbmee and identified our highest emitting suppliers. This allowed us to prioritize collaboration with our suppliers in order to achieve greater precision and ultimately identify meaningful reduction potential together.”
Supply Chain Carbon Transparency at Scale
Goal: Rapidly achieve full carbon transparency across the supply chain, with a focus on Scope 3.1 and Scope 3.4.
Challenge: Align various departments under a unified ESG strategy to track and reduce Scope 3 emissions efficiently.
Solution with carbmee EIS™:
- Calculate Supplier Carbon Footprint 94% faster with automation technology than with traditional methods.
- Save thousands of euros by using carbmee's powerful technology rather than expensive consultants
- Analyze the entire supply chain on transactional SKU-level, 30.000 Supplier Carbon Footprints, leading to the identification of the top 50 suppliers responsible for 55% of scope 3 emissions.
- Pinpoint supplier, geography, site and purchasing category hotspots.
Outcome: Established a baseline for Scope 3 emissions, identified hotspot suppliers, and achieved comprehensive transparency across strategic purchasing categories resulting in publishing EY-audited results, marking KWS’ first official publication of supply chain GHG emissions.
CSRD Reporting Readiness
Objective: Prepare for CSRD compliance by providing accurate and comprehensive supply chain emissions data.
Key Actions:
- Implemented data from KWS' ERP system to calculate carbon impact
- Empowered KWS's procurement team to calculate and supply precise emissions data for CSRD reporting, supporting organizational compliance.
Outcome: Attained full CSRD readiness positioning KWS as a transparent and trustworthy company amongst investors, customers, and public.
‘’Carbmee's targeted carbon insights empower our team to efficiently prepare for CSRD compliance.’’