Understanding Supply Chain Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the foundation of ecosystems that support life, yet it faces immense pressure from human activities, including the operations of global supply chains. Businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of measuring and mitigating their Supply Chain Biodiversity Footprint (SCBF) to ensure long-term sustainability. Understanding what SCBF is and how it affects an organisation is essential in helping a business address its environmental impacts to align with global sustainability goals.

What Is Supply Chain Biodiversity Footprint?

SCBF refers to the impact of a business’s supply chain on ecosystems, species and habitats. This includes:

Direct Impacts: Habitat destruction, pollution and over harvesting caused by sourcing raw materials.

Indirect Impacts: Ecosystem changes due to production, transportation and product disposal.

SCBF is a critical metric for understanding how supply chains contribute to biodiversity loss and identifying opportunities for positive change.

Steps to Measure and Address SCBF

At Tunley Environmental, our SCBF assessment service utilises a methodological approach based on three steps:

Assessment

In this phase, we work with organisations to identify the key components of their supply chains and understand their potential biodiversity impacts. This includes analysing the sourcing, production and distribution processes to pinpoint areas of significant ecological concern.

Measurement

We employ detailed metrics and industry-leading tools to quantify the biodiversity impacts of supply chain activities. This involves assessing the footprint of activities such as business operations, raw material extraction, land use and pollution.

Implementation

We provide organisations with a clear picture of the biodiversity footprint of their supply chain and how it impacts the environment. This equips them with the necessary data to enable informed decision-making.

Your Guide to Understanding SCBF

Tunley Environmental’s guide on SCBF is a comprehensive resource designed to help organisations understand the complex relationship between their supply chains and biodiversity. It introduces readers to the concept of SCBF, explaining how supply chain activities—from resource extraction to manufacturing and distribution—impact ecosystems, habitats and species worldwide.

What You Will Learn from the Guide:

• Clarity on SCBF: A detailed explanation of what supply chain biodiversity footprint entails and why it is crucial in today’s environmental landscape.
• Step-by-Step Approach: Practical steps for identifying, measuring and reducing biodiversity impacts across supply chains.
• Best Practices: Strategies for adopting sustainable practices, such as sourcing from certified suppliers and investing in restoration projects.
• Real-World Examples: Case studies that illustrate the tangible benefits of addressing SCBF.
  
  

Benefits of the SCBF Guide for Organisations 

By downloading and implementing the insights from our SCBF Guide, your organisation can:

• Risk Management: Gain insights into mitigating biodiversity risks that could lead to regulatory penalties or reputational harm.
• Sustainability Leadership: Get tools to align with global biodiversity goals, such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).
• Enhanced Credibility: Establish framework to demonstrate genuine environmental responsibility, appeal to stakeholders, customers and investors.
• Competitive Edge: Obtain guidance on how to future-proof supply chains against evolving biodiversity regulations and market expectations.
  
  

The Bottom Line

Supply chains are a critical frontier in the fight for biodiversity conservation. By measuring and addressing SCBF, businesses can play a pivotal role in safeguarding ecosystems while building resilience and trust. This guide is designed to equip an organisation with the right tools and strategies to aid global conservation efforts. It’s ideal for companies looking to better understand the role their supply chain plays on the environment and strategies to mitigate against negative impacts.