• More supplier engagement workshops will be conducted in 2023/24 to close the skills and training gap and reduce emissions caused by the value chain
• SMEs encouraged to achieve LowCarbonSG recognition from Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS)
• The workshops and ratings contribute to a resilient and environment friendly value chain
Singapore, 22 September 2023 – SATS Ltd. (SATS) has introduced supplier engagement workshops to increase understanding on sustainability and better track sustainability practices with its supply chain partners to facilitate the implementation of a coordinated strategy to positively affect both people and the environment.
As a global provider of ground handling, air cargo and Asia’s provider of food solutions, SATS is conscious of the influence the business has on the environment and communities it serves.
Supplier Engagement Workshops
As part of its Supplier Engagement programme, SATS launched the first in a series of workshops in Singapore in April 2023 with the support of United Nations Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) to upskill more than 85 suppliers, most of whom are small and medium-sized businesses.
By concentrating on strategic food suppliers to build a more sustainable supply chain, SATS can better address Scope 3 emissions, which account for up to 81% of its total carbon output, and of which 67% are from the procurement of goods and services.
SATS has been operating in Singapore for more than five decades and has established long-standing partnerships with many of its suppliers.
“We realise that our suppliers who wish to start their decarbonisation journey need assistance,” said Spencer Low, SATS’ Chief Sustainability Officer.
“Each of them is in a different stage in their journey to become more sustainable, and their investments in time, people and training will not only help them become more resilient as a business, but also accelerate their decarbonisation journey.
“As the aviation industry’s momentum returns, the participation of our partners in these workshops and the programme will catalyse positive change and unlock the supply chain’s full potential because we share the same aspirations to be a force for good,” Low added.
The workshops offer training including foundational learning on the sources of emissions, climate fundamentals, and how suppliers can apply abatement levers in their businesses and eventually SATS’ supply chain. The course covers climate fundamentals, regulations, and trends, including the business case for decarbonisation.
Mark Tan, Sales Manager, Vismark Food Industries Pte Ltd., recently participated in the workshop and learned that everyone, businesses and individuals, has a role to play in sustainability.
“The workshops helped our team conceptualise a more sustainable plan in line with our customers’ expectations and market needs. To start, Vismark has committed to a 100% Carbon Offset Programme for our company's fleet of 20 vehicles starting in July 2023.”
The workshops also provide training and access to tools like the Carbon and Emissions Recording Tool (CERT) to help suppliers record and manage emissions data, and receive recognition of their progress.
To track their emissions in the workshop, the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC) Singapore, the decarbonisation arm of GCNS, will issue a LowCarbonSG logo to companies that successfully measure and monitor their carbon footprint with CERT. The LowCarbonSG programme is also supported by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and EnterpriseSG.
Ms Esther Chang, Executive Director for GCNS shared: “GCNS is pleased to partner with SATS, a GCNS member who is committed to responsible business practices and building a sustainable supply chain, on their Supplier Engagement Programme. The workshops are a promising start for both SATS and their SMEs, with more than 30% of suppliers joining the nationwide LowCarbonSG.
“We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership and support SMEs on their way to build a more sustainable business.”
Ratings
To enhance its sustainability performance, SATS has also partnered with EcoVadis, a globally trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, to conduct sustainability assessments on its supply chain partners.
To date, 40% of SATS’ critical suppliers have started the onboarding process with EcoVadis including N&N Agriculture Pte Ltd and Country Foods Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SATS.
According to Ms Ho Yan Yee, QA Assistant Manager at N&N Agriculture Pte Ltd, “The workshops have been instrumental in deepening our knowledge of sustainability practices as well as introducing us to EcoVadis ratings.
“The procedure for collecting data necessitates the cooperation of multiple departments, which can be time-consuming and challenging but it is necessary for a thorough evaluation of our sustainability efforts.”
“The ratings also serve as useful benchmark for our business and will play a pivotal role in developing our business strategy as sustainable procurement becomes more important, said Ho.
Similarly, Thomas Troussereau, Manager of Procurement and Global Trading at Country Foods said that the supplier engagement workshops had a positive impact on the business.
“The workshop serves as a catalyst for Country Foods to rethink our operational strategies, particularly in terms of sustainability and we are confident that our ability to translate the workshop insights into practical actions will resonate with customers and set new industry standards.”
These initiatives have allowed SATS to advance its sustainability strategy in Singapore, fostering enduring partnerships along the value chain to unlock the full potential of the ecosystem.
