Integrating Sustainability in Value Chains of Companies

About us

CII Eco Edge program aims at integrating sustainability in the value chains of the companies. This initiative evaluates the sustainability performance of both sourcing companies and their chosen value chain partners, focusing on key areas of environmental and social responsibility through a sectoral approach. Through Eco Edge, companies’ and their value chain partners gain a platform to enhance their environmental and social practices, fostering resilience. The initiative is also intended to help companies prepare for the evolving national and global regulatory landscape on value chain sustainability.

The program intends to:

  • Help companies manage their scope 3 emissions.
  • Establish a network of sustainable vendors.
  • Improve sustainability performance of MSMEs.
  • Prepare Indian companies on evolving national and global regulatory frameworks
  • Enhance the sustainability of companies’ procurement functions

Key Focus Areas

Human Rights

Circularity

Health & Safety

Decarbonization

Identify

sustainability/ESG risks in value chains

Enable

companies towards decarbonization pathways

Prepare

for evolving global regulatory landscape

Improve

SME sustainability/ESG performance

Convert

risks into opportunities with a strategic approach

Improve

brand image on ESG

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Capacity Building
Sessions Conducted

0

Companies
Baselined

0

Companies
Certified

ECO EDGE FRAMEWORK

Eco Edge supports sustainable value chains through an internally developed framework, implemented via a SaaS-based tool. The primary goal is to assist companies in pinpointing key sustainability gaps within their value chains. The process involves enhancing the sustainability capabilities of value chains through tailored recommendations and action plans aligned with the respective industry. The framework takes the form of a comprehensive questionnaire, complemented by a guidance document for value chain companies. Covering approximately 85 questions, it addresses environmental, social, and sector-specific aspects, aligning with select indicators of BRSR, BRSR Core, CDP, GRI, DJSI, and more. This adaptable framework is customized based on sector-specific nuances and emerging regulations.

Process

1

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Commitment by the company & selected value chain partners

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Training & capacity building of partners

3

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Assessment of companies and partners by CII trained assessors

4

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GAP report based on the assessments

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Maturity level certificates

Services

Foundation

Capacity Building Programs

Value chain awareness and skill enhancement on sustainability

Experties

Tool Based Baseline Assessment

Assessment on Environmental and Social Parameters

Excellence

Certification Program

Eco Edge Trailblazer
Eco Edge Progressive
Eco Edge Emerging

OUTCOMES

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Scorecard

The scorecard offers a breakdown of individual scores in key focus areas such as General, Decarbonisation, Circularity, Health & Safety, and Human Rights. This tool assists in identifying priority areas for improvement.

Gap Report

A comprehensive report for each value chain partner highlighting the gap areas / opportunities for improvement and corresponding action points. A detailed report for the sourcing company providing insights into the entire value chain assessed, including consolidated strengths, identified gaps, a performance comparison between upstream and downstream partners, and best practices.

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Maturity Level Certificates

Obtain maturity level certificates upon meeting predetermined thresholds in value chain sustainability. The certification levels include:

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Demonstrating initial strides towards integrating sustainability in its operations.

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Demonstrating dedication with continuous progress to integrate sustainability in its operations.

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Demonstrating excellence with pioneering efforts to integrate sustainability in its operations.

Best Practices

Acquire valuable insights into the top-performing value chain partners regarding environmental and social criteria. Utilize this information to assess, establish targets, and set goals for entire value chain.

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PROJECTS


Integrating Sustainability in the Automobile Value Chain

Integrating Sustainability in the Automobile Value Chain

The automobile sector significantly contributes to global innovation and economic growth, particularly in India. However, it faces substantial environmental and social challenges, including high carbon emissions, energy and water consumption, and poor working conditions. Increasing global regulations, such as the BRSR, and various national transparency and modern slavery acts demand thorough evaluations of companies' environmental and human rights practices. In ... Read More

The automobile sector significantly contributes to global innovation and economic growth, particularly in India. However, it faces substantial environmental and social challenges, including high carbon emissions, ... Read More

View Report

Global Regulations Mandating Sustainability in Supply Chains

INDIA | Effective : July 2023

Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) Core

Based on the recommendations of the ESG Advisory Committee and pursuant to public consultation, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to introduce the BRSR Core for assurance by listed entities. The Board further decided to introduce disclosures and assurance for the value chain of listed entities, as per the BRSR Core. The BRSR Core is a sub-set ... Read More

Based on the recommendations of the ESG Advisory Committee and pursuant to public consultation, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to introduce the ... Read More

View Policy

INDIA | Effective : May 2021

Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) to enhance transparency and accountability in the corporate sector. This regulation is designed to standardize reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters, encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) to enhance transparency and accountability in the corporate sector. ... Read More

View Policy

United States | Effective : January 2012

California Transparency in Supply Chains Act

The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act requires companies doing business in California to disclose their efforts to combat human trafficking and modern slavery within their supply chains. This regulation is designed to promote transparency and encourage companies to take action against unethical labour practices.

The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act requires companies doing business in California to disclose their efforts to combat human trafficking and modern slavery within their ... Read More

View Policy

European Union (EU) | Effective : January 2023

CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive)

The European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) aims to improve and standardize sustainability reporting across the EU. This regulation builds upon the existing Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), ensuring that companies provide detailed and comparable data on their sustainability performance.

The European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) aims to improve and standardize sustainability reporting across the EU. This regulation builds upon the existing Non-Financial Reporting ... Read More

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Germany | Effective : January 2023

German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)

The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act or Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz (LkSG), enacted to enforce human rights and environmental standards throughout the supply chains of companies operating in Germany. This act aims to prevent violations such as forced labour, child labour, and environmental damage, not just within a company's own operations but also among its suppliers and subcontractors, both domestically and internationally.

The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act or Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz (LkSG), enacted to enforce human rights and environmental standards throughout the supply chains of companies operating in ... Read More

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Norway | Effective : July 2022

Norway Transparency Act

The Norway Transparency Act is a key regulation requiring large and mid-sized companies operating in Norway to publicly disclose their efforts to uphold human rights and fair working conditions across their supply chains. This act highlights the importance of corporate accountability and transparency, with a strong emphasis on responsible business practices.

The Norway Transparency Act is a key regulation requiring large and mid-sized companies operating in Norway to publicly disclose their efforts to uphold human rights and ... Read More

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United Kingdom | Effective : October 2015

UK Modern Slavery Act

The Modern Slavery Act is a landmark regulation aimed at combating modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour. The Act requires companies to take steps to ensure that their operations and supply chains are free from such practices. By promoting transparency and accountability, the Act encourages companies to demonstrate their commitment to ethical business conduct.

The Modern Slavery Act is a landmark regulation aimed at combating modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour. The Act requires companies to take steps to ... Read More

View Policy

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VOICE OF VENDORS

Word From Our Vendors

I remember the first time I interacted with CII Eco Edge when we were being evaluated by Royal Enfield for our sustainability practices across the company. Eco Edge was evaluating us on behalf of Royal Enfield.

Compared to other evaluation exercises I have undergone earlier, my experience with Eco Edge was pleasantly different. The questionnaire was very simple and most of the questions had multiple choice answers making it very easy to fill it. The language was simple, unambiguous and made every requirement so clear to understand that I could almost convert it into an action plan for improvement.

I particularly liked the later part of the evaluation, and this was unexpected. Eco Edge had thoroughly studied the responses in the questionnaire after which they called a meeting in which a senior sustainability expert from Eco Edge interacted with me to understand my perception related to the answers in the questionnaire. I must mention that the expert interacting with me was skilled in communication, who toned the whole dialogue into a friendly discussion.

Overall, my experience with Eco Edge has been fulfilling and I look forward to Eco Edge launching more services to be availed.

Wishing all the best to Eco Edge for upcoming endeavours.

Mandar Joshi

General Manager & Lead
Gabriel


Priyanka Choudhary

priyanka.choudhary@cii.in

Sherry Pande

sherry.pande@cii.in

CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development Third Floor, Andhra Association, 24-25, Lodhi Institutional Area, New Delhi – 1100031