From measurement to action: What we learned at Scope 3 Peer Group Chicago 2026

The Trio team attended the Scope 3 Peer Group (S3PG) conference in Chicago in June to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange ideas with companies focused on reducing carbon emissions across their supply chains.

We caught up with Trio's Mary Kate Francis, Director, Supply Chain Engagement, Sustainability and Clean Energy, who shared these three insights from the event:
 

Q: One thing that really stood out to you 

When looking to engage suppliers in reducing emissions, an absolutely critical piece of the puzzle is finding the right internal champion to educate, support, and help drive decarbonization initiatives forward.

One of the conference presenters emphasized the progress they have made on this front by working in partnership with their company’s procurement category managers. Those managers already hold strong relationships with the suppliers, and by joining their meetings they were able to meet a valuable point of contact and connect the dots to the correct person to further discuss decarbonization efforts. 
 

Q: A moment or insight you didn't expect

One insight I wasn't expecting was the simplicity of the equation John Deere shared to illustrate how it has reduced approximately two-thirds of its emissions since 2012:

Efficiency + Clean Electricity = Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions + Cost Savings

This equation emphasizes that decarbonization requires a portfolio of solutions, and when you look at those solutions in combination, there is a strong financial case for proceeding. Some solutions will offer savings, and others will come at a cost. In aggregate, a company can achieve both their financial goals and emissions reduction goals. 
 

Q: Something you have taken away from the event, and how you will apply it to Transform: Auto 

More companies than ever before are looking to make the leap from measuring supplier emissions to truly engaging suppliers in decarbonization initiatives. 
 
Trio stands out in its work on this front – we already have multiple supplier engagement programs running, including Transform: Auto for the automotive manufacturing sector. 
 
Building on the progress already achieved through the program, our workshop discussions highlighted several opportunities to deliver even greater value to suppliers: 

• Enhance supplier recognition - Offer more recognition to suppliers who engage in the program and communicate early on how participation and achievements will be recognized. 
   
• Focus on the critical steps to success – To make initiatives less daunting for suppliers, wherever possible, break down the “to-do” list into bite-size steps and focus on one at a time. 
   
• Clearly show the ROI – Make it easier for suppliers to receive initial cost/savings estimates and frame them in a business case presentation to get them in front of management with a compelling message. 

Learn more 

If you are a S3PG member looking to accelerate progress on supply chain emissions reductions, our Transform: S3PG and Transform: Auto programs provide practical pathways for engaging suppliers and driving meaningful decarbonization outcomes. Click on either initiative to register your interest to learn more.