💡 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:<ul> <li>GHG calculation methodology </li> <li>Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions </li> <li>Turnover figures </li> <li>Reporting timeframe </li> </ul>✅ 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:<ul> <li>SBTi validation status </li> <li>Scope 1 & 2 emission reduction targets </li> <li>Target temperature alignment (1.5°C or 2°C) </li> <li>Public disclosure practices </li> </ul>✅ 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:<ul> <li>Double-materiality topics (climate, water, waste, biodiversity) </li> <li>Workforce and community impact </li> <li>Consumer relationships and governance </li> </ul>✅ 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](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Kkhy_7J5JGrhsb4mRIHBC9DDGvRmwOF4wM9WZpjzZxw/preview?gid=0#gid=0)Includes:<ul> <li>All key environmental and social criteria </li> <li>Platform registration required </li> <li>Detailed insights and reports </li> </ul>✅ 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.<ul>
<li><strong>Pros:</strong>
<ul>
<li>Scalable and efficient
</li>
<li>Auto follow-ups improve completion
</li>
<li>Real-time tracking and analytics
</li>
<li>Standardized delivery
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cons:</strong>
<ul>
<li>Limited customization per supplier
</li>
<li>Requires support to exclude contacts
</li>
<li>May feel impersonal or land in spam
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>✅ 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.<ul>
<li><strong>Pros:</strong>
<ul>
<li>High flexibility and targeting
</li>
<li>No login required
</li>
<li>Easy to adapt by survey type or supplier group
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cons:</strong>
<ul>
<li>Time-consuming for large lists
</li>
<li>Requires manual tracking
</li>
<li>Open links may raise data security concerns
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>✅ 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.<ul>
<li><strong>Pros:</strong>
<ul>
<li>Simple and fast
</li>
<li>No barriers to entry
</li>
<li>Great for quick, broad feedback
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cons:</strong>
<ul>
<li>No supplier-level traceability
</li>
<li>Less secure and not suitable for sensitive content
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>✅ 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.<ul>
<li><strong>Pros:</strong>
<ul>
<li>Combines scale and personal touch
</li>
<li>Enables support and clarification
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cons:</strong>
<ul>
<li>More effort required at follow-up stage
</li>
<li>Risk of duplicate outreach
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>✅ Best for maximizing response rates with higher-touch engagement
Putting It All Together: What to Use When
💡 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.