Collecting supplier data is essential for emissions tracking & compliance. But which survey should you use—and how should you send it?

⚠️ Important:

No matter which delivery method you choose, we strongly recommend that your procurement team or a senior leader sends a brief introductory email to all suppliers. A personal message explaining the purpose of the survey, its importance to your sustainability goals, and why their cooperation matters can significantly boost response rates and engagement.
Mail template available in this guide

Types of Supplier Surveys

Choose one or more survey types depending on the data you need and the level of supplier involvement required:

A. Scope 3 Accuracy Assessment (Short Form)

Quick survey for collecting basic emissions and business data. No supplier registration needed.
Includes:

GHG calculation methodology
Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
Turnover figures
Reporting timeframe
✅ Best for initial data gathering with minimal friction
📬 Must be shared via unique, personalized links—one per supplier—sent from your own email address.

B. SBTi Compliance Assessment (Short Form)

Focused on target-setting and alignment with the Science-Based Targets initiative.
Includes:

SBTi validation status
Scope 1 & 2 emission reduction targets
Target temperature alignment (1.5°C or 2°C)
Public disclosure practices
✅ Ideal for assessing ambition and credibility
📬 Must be shared via unique, personalized links—one per supplier—sent from your own email address.

C. CSRD Compliance Assessment (Short Form)

Covers environmental and social disclosures aligned with the EU’s CSRD regulation.
Includes:

Double-materiality topics (climate, water, waste, biodiversity)
Workforce and community impact
Consumer relationships and governance
✅ Use when preparing for CSRD-aligned reporting
📬 Must be shared via unique, personalized links—one per supplier—sent from your own email address.

D. Maturity Score Assessment (Complete Form)

A full, in-depth evaluation requiring supplier login. Provides a scored sustainability maturity profile.

More information available in the guide: What is the content of the supplier questionnaire? Here
Includes:

All key environmental and social criteria
Platform registration required
Detailed insights and reports
✅ Best for strategic suppliers or full sustainability programs
📬 Can be shared via Bulk or personalized links - See belowChoosing the Right Assessment Type
Select one or more option(s) based on your needs:
Use Scope 3 Accuracy for basic emissions data
Choose SBTi Compliance for target-setting verification
Select CSRD Compliance for regulatory requirements
Opt for Maturity Score when detailed supplier evaluation is needed
⚠️ Remember: All short forms can be completed without supplier registration, making it easier to gather initial data. The Maturity Score assessment provides the most comprehensive evaluation but requires supplier engagement through registration.

How to Send Your Supplier Survey

Different distribution methods suit different goals. Here are the four most common ways:

A. Automated Email Campaigns (via Platform)

How it works: Upload supplier emails. Surveys and reminders are sent automatically.

Pros:
Scalable and efficient
Auto follow-ups improve completion
Real-time tracking and analytics
Standardized delivery
Cons:
Limited customization per supplier
Requires support to exclude contacts
May feel impersonal or land in spam
✅ Best for large-scale rollouts with consistent content

B. Personalized Survey Links

How it works: Create unique links per supplier or survey. Send via your own channel.

Pros:
High flexibility and targeting
No login required
Easy to adapt by survey type or supplier group
Cons:
Time-consuming for large lists
Requires manual tracking
Open links may raise data security concerns
✅ Best for tailored outreach and selective engagement

C. Bulk Generic Link Sharing

How it works: Share a single open survey link via newsletters, portals, or email.

Pros:
Simple and fast
No barriers to entry
Great for quick, broad feedback
Cons:
No supplier-level traceability
Less secure and not suitable for sensitive content
✅ Best for pulse checks or low-stakes input

D. Hybrid Approach (Automated + Manual Follow-Up)

How it works: Start with an automated campaign, then follow up manually with direct links to non-responders.

Pros:
Combines scale and personal touch
Enables support and clarification
Cons:
More effort required at follow-up stage
Risk of duplicate outreach
✅ Best for maximizing response rates with higher-touch engagement

Putting It All Together: What to Use When

*Need*

*Survey Type*

*Send Method*

Emissions baseline

Scope 3 Accuracy

Automated or personalized link

Target validation

SBTi Compliance

Personalized or hybrid

CSRD readiness

CSRD Compliance

Personalized or automated

Full evaluation

Maturity Score

Automated with follow-up

Quick pulse check

Any short form

Bulk generic link

Pro Tip: Regardless of method, always explain why you’re requesting the data, how long it takes, and where to get support. Clear communication = higher response rates and better data.

📑 Supplier Data: Types of supplier surveys and how to send them