Pinterest

At a Glance

Industry

Internet, Software, Hardware and Technology Services

Project Types

Engagement and Behavior Change, Supply Chain

Year

2024

Location

San Francisco, CA

Summary

Aiko Ueda developed a supplier engagement program to reduce emissions in Pinterest's supply chain and work towards their near-term science-based targets.

Goals

Pinterest's primary emissions, similar to most internet companies, stem from Purchased Goods and Services, including emissions from cloud computing that makes the Pinterest platform possible. Since 2018, Pinterest has collaborated with its cloud computing partner to obtain accurate primary data and achieve significant emission reductions by supporting the transition to renewable energy. Recognizing the effectiveness of supplier engagement, Aiko has developed a comprehensive supplier engagement strategy that aims to extend and scale these practices to other suppliers. The goal of the strategy is to promote sustainable and resilient supply chains and foster strong supplier relationships.

Solutions

Aiko embarked on a comprehensive research to identify best practices by reviewing primary guidelines and conducting peer benchmarking. Based on this research, Aiko executed the following actions: - Supplier Segmentation: Aiko conducted an extensive supplier inventory to gather data of suppliers' carbon emissions contributions to Pinterest and their readiness to implement science-based targets. Using the collected data, she segmented suppliers into six categories, prioritizing and identifying target suppliers for effective engagement. - Supplier Engagement Strategy Development: Aiko defined supplier expectations for the program and formulated specific strategies for each supplier segment, focusing on education, support needs, and incentives for setting and achieving targets. She also assessed and partnered with third-party vendors to develop an implementation plan. - Pilot Program Implementation: Aiko piloted this strategy with five selected suppliers, gathering feedback and testing the implementation process. By analyzing the outcomes of the pilot program and refining the engagement strategies, Aiko developed a scalable roll-out plan to be implemented by the Pinterest team.

Potential Impact

Pinterest now has a supplier engagement program with a clear implementation plan, setting to engage about 70 suppliers covering about 30% of total Scope 3 emissions. They also have a robust roadmap to scale the program over the next three years towards achieving Pinterest's near-term science-based targets, aiming for a 70% reduction in Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions per USD gross profit by 2027. Additionally, the pilot program initiated five key supplier engagements, laying the groundwork for the smooth launch of the full program in the coming year. Throughout the summer, Aiko also worked with their procurement team, raising awareness of the project, the work ahead and the project's importance in the context of an overall supplier management program.

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