How supplier commitments support more sustainable services

Sustainability goals cannot be achieved in isolation. That is why, at the beginning of 2025, we launched the Sustainability Champions Together programme. It drives supply chain decarbonisation through supplier commitments to emission reductions and social responsibility. The initiative benefits customers through more sustainable services across the supply chain and more transparent, reliable data. We are now pleased to share the first measurable progress with our key suppliers, who are committed to reducing emissions.

“Our customers expect sustainability to support their business, not complicate it. By coordinating decarbonisation across our supplier network, we make it easier for customers to access more sustainable services and reliable supply chain data”,  says Kristiina Tiilikainen, Director of Sustainable Procurement.

To make our services more sustainable, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline across the entire value chain. Our ultimate goal is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Inspiring action in the supplier network

Approximately 70% of our total emissions originate from the supply chain, while over 30% come from purchased products and services. “Reducing our own emissions is only the beginning. Real progress happens when the whole value chain moves forward together,” Tiilikainen continues.

At the start of 2025, we set an ambitious target: by the end of the year, 40 major suppliers would commit to concrete emissions-reduction targets. We exceeded this goal, with 41 suppliers committing by the end of the year. Several others are finalising their calculations and targets for 2026.

“Some of us thought the target might be too ambitious. The response proved the opposite. Suppliers were eager to join and clearly understood why this matters,” Tiilikainen says.

Together, these committed suppliers represent:

• Around 50% of emissions from Purchased Goods and Services
• Approximately 15% of our total emissions

Different paths, same direction

“There is no single approach that works for everyone. What matters is that each company takes real steps that fit its business,” Tiilikainen explains. 

Suppliers are at different stages of their climate journey, which is why there are flexible ways to commit. Some focus on energy efficiency. Others move to renewable energy or reduce emissions in their own supply chains. Several larger suppliers have committed through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). 

“Our role is to support suppliers and help them move forward. We organise training sessions and workshops and work closely with suppliers in hands-on collaboration, including testing recycled materials and new solutions,” Tiilikainen says. 

Engaging suppliers on new sustainability topics takes time, trust and consistent effort. Many suppliers are facing these topics for the first time, often alongside competing business priorities. By leading this engagement, we remove complexity for our customers. We build supplier capabilities and alignment, enabling customers to focus on their core business while benefiting from more sustainable services. 

More than one-third of our suppliers have committed to the Science Based Targets initiative, while one-fifth are transitioning to renewable energy. Others are pursuing different emissions-reduction approaches.

A cascading effect of supplier commitments

Supplier engagement creates a positive ripple effect. When one company reduces emissions, it encourages action across its own value chain and sets an example for others.

“This is how progress spreads. When suppliers commit, they influence their partners and competitors. That is how reductions multiply,” Tiilikainen says.

For customers, this means:

• Lower emissions across services
• More transparent and responsible supply chains
• Stronger readiness for regulatory requirements across the value chain
• Access to more reliable primary data, as we engage suppliers to collect, validate and track sustainability information
• Reduced administrative burden, as supplier data collection and follow-up are handled as part of our service

Net-zero services are not possible without net-zero suppliers. Working with committed partners enables us to deliver more sustainable solutions, both today and in the future.

“This is not a short project. It is a shared journey that requires commitment from many people. Suppliers who join us are helping to build a net-zero future together,” Tiilikainen concludes.

What we have learned along the way

The journey has brought clear insights:

1. Ambitious goals are worth setting
2. Suppliers differ in size, maturity and starting point, so the same model does not fit all.
3. Meaningful progress requires time, dialogue and collaboration

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