CDP and FirstCarbon Solutions publish inaugural index of suppliers leading in climate change performance

-- Supplier Leadership Index is newest way to benchmark best practices and for CDP Supply Chain Program Members to evaluate suppliers

IRVINE, California and LONDON, Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS), a pioneer in environmental and sustainability business solutions, and CDP, the leading NGO providing the only global environmental disclosure system, today announced the debut publication of the Supplier Climate Performance Leadership Index (SCPLI), a new evaluation and benchmarking tool for CDP supply chain members and suppliers.

Compiled by FCS on behalf of CDP, the index is based on supply chain program data from 2,868 suppliers that are disclosing climate change data at the request of CDP's 64 supply chain members, which represent a combined spending power of nearly US$1.15 trillion. The 79 companies included in the index demonstrate strong and transparent climate strategies and emissions reduction programs.

"Suppliers have been asking for a way to benchmark their climate change performance since FCS became the exclusive scoring partner for the CDP Supply Chain program in 2011," says Robert Francisco, president of FirstCarbon Solutions. "With the launch of the Supplier Leadership Index, FCS and CDP recognize the top 3% of suppliers who are committed to integrating climate resiliency programs into their overall business strategies which leads to unprecedented operational efficiencies, cost savings, revenue opportunities, and positive planet stewardship."

These leading suppliers demonstrate a number of defining characteristics in their CDP survey responses, including:

• Board-level oversight on climate planning along with monetary incentives for emission reductions
• Substantive detail on how climate change is integrated into risk management and corporate strategy planning
• Scope 1 and Scope 2 reduction targets
• Evidence of Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions reduction activities that delivered significant results
• Independent third-party assurance of Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions

"Introducing a supplier performance leadership index into CDP's supply chain program will drive best practice. We have great insights into the fact that big multinational purchasers - namely our members - are increasingly demanding that their suppliers take action on mitigating climate change risks. Suppliers need to improve their levels of sustainability to differentiate themselves from their competitors or they will lose business," said Nigel Topping, Executive Director, CDP.

The full supply chain report, including names of companies featured in the SCPLI and the methodology used, can be found at https://www.cdp.net/en-US/Pages/cdp-supply-chain-broadcast-2014.aspx.

About CDP
CDP is an international, not-for-profit organization providing the only global system for companies and cities to measure, disclose, manage and share vital environmental information.  CDP works with market forces, including 722 institutional investors with assets of US$87 trillion, to motivate companies to disclose their impacts on the environment and natural resources and take action to reduce them. CDP now holds the largest collection globally of primary climate change, water and forest risk commodities information and puts these insights at the heart of strategic business, investment and policy decisions.  Please visit www.cdp.net or follow us @CDP to find out more.

About FCS
FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS) advances sustainable practices around the world and helps organizations responsibly grow and operate. As a CDP partner scoring more than 7,000 CDP disclosures globally, FCS has unique experience managing climate change, water and resource efficiency risks and opportunities. With 30+ years of environmental, sustainability and energy consulting experience, and offices around the world, FCS helps clients save time, reduce costs, optimize resource use, and drive operational efficiencies. Please visit http://www.firstcarbonsolutions.com/solutions/by-focus/cdp to find out more.